Style Tips by Ines de la Fressange

When you see Parisians, they exude an air of “je ne sais quoi” as they’re out and about. Dressed up or dressed down, they have this nonchalant attitude paired with an effortless chic style which is envied by most. Whenever you see the streetstyle photos outside the Paris shows, it’s like WOW, how do they do it? Do they spend ages getting dressed, do they have stylists dictating what to wear, how do they do it?

So, a little while ago, as I was browsing some fashion related books online, I came across Parisian Chic, a book by long time model and a former Chanel muse, Ines de la Fressange which is a guide to the ultra-chic Parisian lifestyle (it came out in 2011, sadly I only recently discovered it). Of course without batting an eyelid, I clicked “add to cart” on Flipkart and I am currently blogging about it.

my very own Parisian Chic

the gorgeous Ines 

The Parisian culture isn’t simply about dressing up, it’s an entire lifestyle and that’s what this guide is all about. From style & beauty tips, to where to shop (luxury, vintage and everything in between), dine and even how to decorate your home (Parisian style of course!) this book is truly Parisian. Its not one of those boring books which simply go on and on about what to wear with what and what not to wear which after a certain point you’re so bored of you never want to see it again. This book on the other hand is far from boring; chirpy language paired with fun pictures of her daughter and Ines’s illustrations, it’s a fantastic guide for all those who want to attain the Parisian style.  Oh by the way, it even has a little section for notes at the end of the book. Sigh, J’adore.

Here are some tips by the woman who is the epitome of Parisian chic.

Logos and bling are despised by a true Parisian and they never like to look rich( I wish people in Delhi would grasp this concept!). Choose brands that provide good taste and quality.

The Parisian wardrobe is a mix of cheap and chic buys. So the next time you decide to pair that Hermes scarf with a monogrammed designer bag and in your face Louis Vuitton shoes and a belt, think. Think very long and hard.

Try and discover new labels, there are plenty of new designers around. In our case, check out Hauz Khas village as there are a lot of funky new designers there.

Keep abreast of all the trends but don’t blindly follow them. For example, colored jeans have been the rage here the last few seasons, I’ve seen girls with thighs on the heavier side wear them and it doesn’t look good.

You're better off buying a genuine straw bag than a fake designer bag. I couldn't agree more with this tip. It's okay if you can't splurge on a designer bag, there are so many non-branded stylish bags out there. NEVER buy counterfeit bags because trust me, because people can tell. And once you become "the girl with the fake bags" no one will believe you even if you have a real one! BTW, I know a few who parade around with their fake Louis Vuittons in Delhi thinking no one notices, too bad for them everyone knows everything they wear is 100% fake.

For an offbeat look:

Wear a diamond necklace with a denim shirt instead of a black dress.

Pair a pearl necklace with a rock’n’roll t-shirt (I cant wait to try this one out) and not a shift dress.

A chiffon print dress with biker boots.

Tuxedo jacket with sneakers (I recently saw a picture of Leandra Medine wearing a similar combination, its DEADLY!)

An evening dress with a straw handbag and not a gold clutch (trust me, in Delhi, people will LOOK, and then copy you).

For an effortless chic look:

Pair an old denim blazer with a silk shirt (I’ve done it and it’s FAB).

Wear two scarves, one on top of the other.

Wear a black velvet riding jacket a few sizes too small (just make sure you don’t rip the jacket whilst trying to put it on!)

One BOLD accessory with your ultra-simple silhouette.

power blogger Leandra Medine in a masculine jacket and converse shoes

Ines’s magnificent 7 wardrobe essentials:

Add caption

The blazer

The trenchcoat – DON’T buckle the belt, tie it in the front or behind with the buckle hanging loose and also DON’T wear it with a long skirt.

The navy sweater (in CASHMERE of course!). Pair with white jeans, high heels and a leather jacket et voila.

The tank top – keep it simple, don’t go for prints or loud colors, just black, gray, white, navy or khaki.

The little black dress

The perfect jeans – ill fitted jeans are just not a pleasant sight, keep hunting for days, weeks, months till you find that perfect pair even if you have to pay a little extra for them. Keep a pair of classic straight cuts as they never go out of style and get 3 colors, black, blue and white

The leather jacket – pair it with a chiffon dress or even with a string of pearls for an offbeat look.

her stunning daughter Nine in a cashmere sweater

Major fashion faux pas!

Bras with transparent plastic straps – I’ve see this happen in Delhi a lot. Ladies, just go to Marks & Spencer and simply pick up a well fitted strapless bra. Transparent straps are just plain ugly!

Never wear a necklace and earrings at the same time. The worst is looking like an ornamental Christmas tree when people wear necklace, earrings, watch, bracelet and numerous rings all at once. Owwww, my eyes, my eyes!!!

Chipped nail polish – this one’s my personal tip. I’ve often seen women neglect their nails and walk around comfortably with chipped nail paint on their hands and feet and its not attractive. It takes all of two minutes to take it off, so be a dear and do it please!

Hair scrunchies – choose a small almost invisible hair tie to tie your hair.

Leopard -skin dresses with plunging necklines – I’ve seen this at nightclubs here when leopard prints were the rage in Delhi.

Fishnet t-shirts – YUCK!

Shirts that are too tight .

Ines with a Roger Vivier bag and shoes

These are only snippets of small yet powerful tips to incorporate into your daily style files that can go a long way. If you want to know more click here to order it from Flipkart. They also have a Parisian Chic daily planner available. C'est vraiment chic!

Cleaning Out My Closet

Phewf, what a day! In case you’re wondering why I’m wiping the sweat off my forehead, its because today I chose to clean my closet and finally unpack. The husband and I have been on the move for almost 6 months now, so I decided why even bother unpacking since we are to leave Delhi again in two weeks. Then I opened my closet and the answer was right there. Half my stuff was in my suit case, half my clothes were rolled up in a ball inside my closet, the rest of it was distributed in the guest room wardrobes and even the tack room (aka a store converted to keep all the equestrian stuff which includes a gazillion riding boots, helmets, whips and all sorts of other horsey stuff).

Cleaning your closet is really a harrowing task filled with a lot of labor work, and all sorts of emotions.

Yeah Yeah you must be thinking what on earth does spring cleaning have to do with labor work? Well, imagine a million different silk shirts and delicate dresses all rolled up and crushed, what do you then? Enter my lean mean steam ironing machine! I took each and every one of my silk garments and steam ironed them myself and hung them inside the way they’re supposed to be. Its no wonder I’m always complaining my silk shirts are getting ruined. What did I expect if I toss them so carelessly inside. Another tedious task is when you have to sit and fold each and every one of those tops that cant be hung inside due to lack of space in all your closets combined.  Now you see what I mean by labor work?

Only halfway through the mission!

In terms of emotions, well there are plenty. Overwhelming guilt when you discover all those expensive clothes and shoes you bought and wore them only once or not at all. Then there’s glee when you find one of your favorite dresses that you thought you had lost only to discover it in the junkyard of a closet you have. Finally there’s despair and sadness when you realize those 4 year old Gucci Britt flats that are completely worn out ABSOLUTELY need to be thrown out (I have 3 pairs so you can imagine the grief). Your closet can either be a treasure cove or a junkyard. In my case it was a junkyard.

How cute are my padded hangers?!

Can you see how pink, coral and orange dominate this closet?

So amongst my discoveries was a pair of Agent Provocateur silk pj set that I bought for my honeymoon and forgot about post honeymoon. This discovery was the one that made me happy, of course so did the 3 year old Lacoste tennis dress I love that I found hidden somewhere in there. The following discoveries are the ones that made me feel guilty! Next up was this gorgeous dove grey silk Halston Heritage top circa 2012 (my best friend and I bought the same one) and I wore it only once for like two hours. Then there was this lovely stiff silk top from Max & Co. which I didn't even wear once as was the case with these sky high Brian Atwood heels I purchased online. Okay I didn't realize how high they were and it’s not my fault if all my life I've been wearing size 37 shoes and this particular size 37 seemed just way too big despite adding an insole!

My Halston Heritage Silk Top

My Agent Provocateur PJ's

My favorite Max & Co. top which I've never worn :(

Finally, there was a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti heels which I bought out of pure greed and wore them probably twice (btw I saw the same pair in a yellow in a Vogue issue). Let me tell you something folks, if there were shoes that were pure EVIL, these Zanottis would be it. At a glance they look comfy due to the block heel, but trust me, when you put them on and walk around for even thirty minutes, you want to die. Although I don’t know how they seemed so perfectly comfortable when I wanted to buy them. Oh yes, its because all logic prevails when greed overpowers you.

The gorgeous yet evil shoes!

So finally after two hours of hard labor, my bed is clean again and the husband moved back in the room (he moved into the basement for a few hours as our room was reduced to a pile of clothes and shoes!).

Mission accomplished!!! YAAY!

In Search of The Little Black Dress

Every time I open my closet to decide what to wear on a night out, I notice the lack of one of the most important wardrobe staples, The Little Black Dress. I’ve got dresses in numerous colours, beige, brown, coral (LOTS of coral for some odd reason), pink, white, red and so on, but I just don’t have the LBD. Despite my eternal love for black, whenever I enter a boutique, corals and pinks somehow distract me and I end up with yet another non-black dress. My mission today is to find myself the perfect black dress. Here’s what I’m eyeing in three categories; feminine, funky and sporty.

The girly LBDs

The most important LBD has to be of a classic silhouette so it can be in your closet season after season without looking out of date. I chose these three very feminine ones and especially love a bit of frill.

1. Tibi Cotton-Blend Lace Dress - This particular dress is so me. I love the lacy look and the flared skirt. I have already created an entire look and I don't even have the dress yet. Click here to purchase.

2. Diane Von Furstenberg Prista Dress - Aaaah DVF, I can't stop stocking her clothes in my closet! This one is so pretty and the silhouette is so flirty. The crotchet sleeves, top and side panels are just so chic. This is definitely on my to buy list. Click here to purchase.

3. Atsu Dress With A Bejeweled Collar - Sexy, slick and a dash of bling, this dress needs no explanations! Click here to purchase.

The funky LBD's

When you've invested in the perfect classic LBD, its time to step things up with an funky LBD!

1. MCQ Alexander McQueen Leather Peplum Dress - There's the little black dress then there's the little black leather dress! The peplums add a bit of girliness into the dress whereas the leather exudes edginess. Click here to purchase.

2. Roksanda Ilinic Austen Contrasting Panel Midi Dress - WOW is all I can think of when I see this dress. Such a minimalistic dress yet makes such a statement. I love how it has such a futuristic look to it. Full skirted with a cracked laminated belt and peter pan collar this LBD is just to die for. Click here to purchase.

3. Versus Safety-Pin Embellished Stretch Jersey Dress - I loved the Versace safety pin dress on Elizabeth Hurley and I LOVE this Versus dress now. Simple with a dash of punk, this dress is extremely sexy and looks very comfortable too. Click here to purchase.

The sporty LBD's

Whoever said that LBD's can't be sporty?! Sometimes you just want to throw on the dress and pair it with patent leather gladiator sandals, brogues or biker boots instead of sky high heels all the time. 

1. T By Alexander Wang Jersey T-Shirt Dress - For the days you really don't want to go through any drama in choosing an LBD this super comfortable yet sexy t-shirt dress is just perfect. Click here to purchase.

2. Zara Stretch Dress - Pair with brogues or sky high heels, this dress can work with whatever mood you're in! For Rupees 3,490 I'd say its a steal. Check your local Zara store for availability. 

3. Rag & Bone RAE Dress - I love Rag & Bone dresses, they're so versatile and again can be paired with virtually anything. I love the A-line silhouette on this one and totally love the front zipper. Pair with biker boots for the ultimate biker girl look. Click here to purchase. 

India Bridal Fashion Week 2013: Day 5

Day five of the event commenced with Adarsh Gill's show wherein Esha Gupta walked the ramp as showstopper donning a vermillion lehenga-choli ensemble accentuated with beautiful dull-gold surface ornamentation. I think the choli is quite fabulous -- with it's weave-like all-over geometric texture -- so resplendent and I am a fan of novel uses of gota patti.

Esha Gupta for Adarsh Gill, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

The designer presented an array of suits with varying kurta lengths and pants styles including shararas, churidars, cigarette-cuts, and dreamy sheer palazzos.

Adarsh Gill suits, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

Rest of the silhouettes included jackets paired with saris and gowns, classic plain saris teamed with heavily embellished blouses and a some draped gown numbers -- which by the way I thought were totally unnecessary in an otherwise elegant and very classic collection.

Adarsh Gill ramp stills, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

The next show on day four was by Suneet Varma titled The Golden Bracelet. Inspired by the ancient city of Pompeii, the ensembles besides the regular dose of traditional Indian regalia were heavy on drapes and toga-like fits. Chitrangada Singh walked the ramp as showstopper, again in a lehenga shaded vermillion with a tulle underskirt for volume and a structured short choli.

Chitrangada Singh for Suneet Varma, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

The palette of the collection was dominated by pastels such as pista greens, lavenders, rose-golds and ever powder blue with a a few rustic shades added in for a very goddess-like vibe. Feminine and delicate, I think the models looked very dainty in some of the ensembles. Also, this time we saw a lot of European influences in the collections -- who do you think did it the best?

Suneet Varma, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

Take a look at the statement arm accessories. What do you think? That's a new high for the classic baju-band no?

Suneet Varma accessories on ramp, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

I was however not a fan of the ensembles shown below. The sari-like twist to a sculptured bodice, especially that moulded gold one did not seem very nice to me. And neither did the anarkali suits which seemed very passe and blah compared to the other outfits.

Suneet Varma ramp stills, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

India Bridal Fashion Week 2013: Day Four

Ashima-Leena's show kicked off the event on day four of the Aamby Valley India Bridal Fashion Week. The collection called Delhi ki Dastaan was replete with Mughal influences of the historical city. Actor Nargis Fakhri walked the ramp as showstopper in a large-bordered gold lehenga skirt teamed with the very feminine take on the sherwani -- complete with metallic latkans and large embroidered motifs on the dupatta.

Nargis Fakhri for Ashima Leena, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

Keeping the silhouettes very fluid and non-experimental, the duo focused on creating impact with combining fabrics of different textures and sheen, while keeping embellishments to the bare minimum. Dull gold, dull reds, and browns had a good share as shown below:

Ashima Leena, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

I am sorry to say, but I did not like a single ensemble from the collection. They were all very reminiscent of the Bollywood movie Fashion to me -- I don't know why. And I also think the finish of the garments leave a lot to be desired. Also, I have been seeing ditto-style influences all over Delhi since years and years -- maybe it is because of this saturation point. What do you guys think?

Ashima Leena, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

The second chapter of the day had Rohit Bal presenting Mulmul Masquerade, an ode that brought together the grandeur of old-school India and Elizabethan eras -- in the realms of gorgeous lotus sets designed by Sumant Jayakrishnan. Sonam Kapoor walked the ramp in Gudda's signature ivory demeanor with understated gold texturing and statement vintage jewellery by Amrapali. The duo did a jig to old Hindi tunes of days gone by -- the spirit was infectious.

Rohit Bal and Sonam Kapoor, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

Now in the collection, nothing made the Elizabethan influence more evident than crisp muslin-high collars, a heavy usage of velvet, and trapeze drops from the empire lines -- all lovingly brought to life by Bal's signature Kashmiri Kasab embroidery. Other fabrics included chanderi silks, voiles, tulles, and mulmul of course.

Rohit Bal, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

Sari blouses took on the form of panned corsets, and yokes and jackets were richly embellished to the hilt with threadwork on floral motifs.

Details, Rohit Bal, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

This being Bal's first show for the bridal week series, I have to admit that the designer nailed it and how. From the plethora of European influences we have seen in collections this seasons, noone could get the harmony right within Indian aesthetics like he did -- a delicate balance that may tip towards the unsightly which I think he mastered so perfectly. Not a single element looked out of place in any of his creations, and this is it -- Rohit Bal will be of my choosing too when the time comes. 

The Eid Shopping Story...

Hi Everyone!

As you all may know, Eid is round the corner (tomorrow or day after depending on the moon) and it's my absolute favorite time of the year! Every year, I spend this special day with my mom's side of the family as she is one of 9 siblings and we all get together with my grandparents and celebrate. It usually ends up being about 30 of us under one big family home and oh what merry we make.

About 10 days before Eid, my mom starts running about like a headless chicken and freaks out about how we have to start the usual hunt for the festive clothes. Then start the endless trips to DLF Emporio and Crescent Mall to pay a visit to every designer there is in Delhi. This year's eid shopping includes two suits from Heritage in South Extention, a nehru jacket from Valaya, a dhoti to pair underneath it from Abu Sandeep and another suit from Valaya couture and another Valaya!. Sadly I only have pictures of the jacket and dhoti as everything else is still at the designer's for alteration. However I will post the pictures of the suit as soon as we get them back.

Nehru Jacket

Dhoti

My sis trying the outfit with jootis

Hmm, stilettos maybe?

In the meantime, just wanted to let you all know that I will be away for the next few days for Eid celebrations and will be back Monday. Till then, Eid Mubarak to you all!

India Bridal Fashion Week 2013: Day Three

I am an avid fan of the 'Peacocks'! Falguni and Shane's super eclectic touch to everything they create without ever going the weird route, and extreme femininity appeals to me to no ends. And just like their ensembles donned by international stars on red-carpets, their bridal wear also stands out. The versatility just about begins summing up the beauty of it all -- the quick switch from funky, feathered, geometric and futuristic numbers to a refined and traditional focus -- what flair does it show! A lot might not agree with me though, as I have heard it from quite some fashion writers about how they are over-hyped and OTT -- yet if I were to dress myself in bling OTT for 24 hours, my stop would be Falguni and Shane.

Day three began with the duo's show titled Garden of Eden. Florals, being one of the greatest trends on global runways these last few seasons found perfect homage in their creations that floored all with dainty fabric texture treatments. A palette ranging from deepest wines to rose gold and beige to a liberal dose of reds allowed the minimalistic silhouettes to do their work greatly. Neha Dhupia, played showstopper to the hilt -- and do I trace a beautiful goth influence in her gown? -- I did not go through the press release on this collection; I wanted to do a review completely on my own.

Falguni and Shane Peacock with showstopper Neha Dhupia at the India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

A lot of designers including Jyotsana Tiwari and Shantanu-Nikhil had peplum influences, and so did the Peacocks combining the contemporary element within an ethnic silhouette.

Creations by Falguni and Shane Peacock at the India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

Feathers and Swarovski crystals being signature trademarks of the house were seen in abundance on gowns, teamed signature shrugs, and on sari pallus. Fabric textures ranged from intricate laser-cuts to sheers, gota and silks.

Feather details, Falguni and Shane Peacock, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

Day three's next presentation was by Raghavendra Rathore who has totally worked the neo-minimalistic approach to Indian bridal wear in silhouettes that screamed delight to me me. A super comeback after almost four years, Rathore presented an array of styles -- anti-fit, draping with structure, dainty shrugs, and absolutely tasteful embellishments -- within a decor setup that accentuated his traditional Rajasthani roots.

Raghavendra Rathore, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

I loved the use of silk, and how he left this classic fabric to it's own devices of creating a magnificent impact. The pairing of jackets with gowns also seems like a trend that is here to stay - so cosy for those chilly Indian winter weddings in Delhi.

Details, Raghavendra Rathore, Indian Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi

The very dapper Anil Kapoor walked the ramp for the designer looking casual-dashing in a black and white kurta-churidar ensemble with a signature-style vest.

Raghavendra Rathore and Anil Kapoor, India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, New Delhi