What Does Style Mean ?

Note: This post is being written as part of the Women’s Web – Trishla emart ‘A Style of My Own!’ campaign.

When the first lady of United States Michelle Obama, touched India in an alluring floral blue dress, little did I know that the dress was designed by an Indian designer - Bibhu Mohapatra. It was also a proud moment, when I discovered that he hails from Rourkela, a steel township in Orissa, which happens to be my place of birth. Michelle Obama, donning a dress designed by an Indian designer, just goes to prove that we Indians have come a long way when it comes to Style and Fashion.

Speaking of style and fashion, I feel Style is a reflection of our attitudes and personality. It's our identity. Possessing a personal style of our own sets us apart and it's the essence of our persona. It is something to be valued as it makes us the person we are. To me style is inborn. The style we are born with can never be taken away from us as it's nature's gift bestowed on us. Various fashion platforms offer varied styles in terms of dressing and couture from which we can take inspiration. We can follow our favourite fashion icons too. The internet is loaded with fashion information and several fashion bloggers are out there who are making a mark, sharing their own fashion tips that are distinct and useful.

Style changes at different stages. A person who is young would prefer to dress up in vibrant colours. The high levels of energy within the body is reflected in the dressing sense. People who are in their mid forties or more prefer to tone down the colours and adopt a more mature sense of dressing.

When it comes to my personal style, I adapt  two varied styles that are poles apart. On one hand I love the street Style fashion when it comes to casual dressing. The cool, laid back look in this fashion appeals a lot to me. And for occasions and formal events, sophistication and elegance is my style. I experiment and play with a lot of  colours and prints. Importance is given to comfort for any casual outings like a movie or spending a day in the mall. I team jeans with comfortable tops and trendy tunics.

Dresses form a dominant part of my wardrobe. I love feminine cuts, one piece, elegant dresses that flatter my size and shape. They can be casual and slinky too. A black dress is a must for me and they come in handy in occasions like weddings, dinners, or just a casual date. When I'm in doubt I always opt for the 'Black dress'. 'Sweater dresses' are a good option for winters as they can be worn with tights.

My Little Black dress

During occasions like weddings and important events I raise the fashion bar. I would generally turn up in a feminine cut elegant dress that offers sophistication. I would also opt for a heavily worked Salwar Kameez or a sexy Saree. Accessories form an important aspect of my dressing as they give life to an outfit. I try to mix and match whatever accessories I possess and team them with my attire.

Skirts are another favourite ensemble. The pencil skirt is most favoured. Having said that, I love formal short skirts, preferably knee length and wrap over skirts for their playful and colourful touch to the whole get up. Dressing to me is incomplete without a nice pair of shoes. I have a penchant for heels and I love most of the styles that are currently available but if I have to choose any one style, then my all time favourite would be the open Ankle strap high heel shoes. They pair well with dresses, skirts, salwar kameez, jeans and even a saree. Having said that, I also relish the look of the peep toe shoes as well.

 

In a tube skirt

 At the end of it all, when it comes to make up, I prefer to highlight my eyes.  During occasions an eye liner, mascara, Kajal with shimmering eye shadow to match the attire is a must. I end my final look with a pop of lipstick preferably shades of orange, red, pink, maroon or mauve.

India has been the best when it comes to ethnic wear and now it doesn't lag behind in western wear too. It's because our country is home to some of the most talented designers like Rohit Bahl, Tarun Tahiliani, Neeta Lulla, Manish Malhotra and so on. We also hold some of the most talented fashion bloggers, and fashionistas who share fantastic styling tips and fashion secrets with us that meet International standards. I'm sure there would be upcoming talented designers like Bibhu Mohapatra who would make us proud in the field of couture, fashion and Style.

Personal tip :  While choosing to wear an attire one must not let the clothes overshadow our personalities.The clothes are there to enhance our style. Never let it seek all the attention.  One needs to carry the attire and not the other way around. Keep it simple and keep it shining wherever you go.

Satya Paul

Satya Paul the well renowned fashion design label is known for it's traditional and ethnic Sarees. We've often seen high profile celebrities adorning his clothes and his collection of  Sarees have dominated the runways for years. His collection of clothes are adorned by powerful ladies in the world of glamour. There are around forty one Satya Paul stores all over India. His Son Puneet Nanda is the co founder of the label. 

The speciality of his Sarees are that it's multi coloured with a combination of different textures and fabrics. Each of his Sarees exhibit very high class of workmanship. I love his amazing collection as it represents class, grace, beauty and sophistication. 

Let's have a quick peek at his collection. 

Image source - Satya Paul

Image source - Satya Paul.com

Here is an Ombre multi coloured digital print Saree. 
Price - Rs. 9995/-

Image source - Satyapaul.com

 Here is an Ombre Black and white screen print Saree 
Price - Rs. 22,995/-

  Malaika Arora in a Satyapaul Saree at an awards function. 

Puneet Nanda - the co founder of the fashion label

Z - Zebra Prints

Zebra prints are animal prints. They are bold and wild ! These prints are adorned by people who  are bold and want to experiment with their adventurous side. The print consists of black and white stripes and it's very striking.  It's a good idea  to stack up an animal print in your wardrobe if you love to experiment with your clothes and add a touch of spice to your wardrobe. Animals prints are very popular and we find many celebrities sporting the animal print look.

Animals prints like Zebra prints can be worn for parties, casual outings and even night clubs. Since the print is very striking, we can tone down the loud look by wearing fewer accessories. High heels, or even flats  can be paired with the outfit. Choose nude colours shoes like Beige or grey to match the outfits. You can also mix and match the outfits with other dark solid colours. 


Below is a model displaying a Halter Zebra Print Maxi. She's carried the look by wearing gladiator flats and a few accessories. 

Image source here Fashion Stylist.com

Zebra prints are everywhere. You'll find them in handbags and even shoes too. 

Image source - Fashionwholesaler.com

Below is a Mossimo Delpha Peep-Toe Oxford Pumps in Zebra Print . They look cool and can be worn with a dark pair of skinny jeans. 

Image source - thisnext.com

Dear readers, this is the last station of the A # Z blogging challenge. It was a pleasure being a part of the challenge and I would like to thank each one of you who took the time to visit and read the posts.  Till then stay fashionable and happy blogging.

Q - Quintessentially beautiful

Princess Diana was a humanitarian and a people's person. The crowd just loved her for her simplicity, for her humanitarian ways and not to forget her fashion legacy. I've always admired her beauty and style. She transformed so gracefully from a shy young girl to a sophisticated confident woman.

Her fashion sense was truly admired by the crowds. Her dressing style can be defined as classy, elegant, graceful and confident. Towards the last phase of her life her style became more powerful and sexier. Her wedding gown was admired by people all over the world.  

Initially the crowds always spotted her in pants and tops. After her marriage her dressing style transformed and became more sophisticated. She became popular for her coats, hats and her fabulous dresses. She was a true style icon. She'll always be remembered for her personality, grace and beauty.

Image source - www.instyle.com

She visited the British school of Seoul in South Korea wearing a green suit with matching pumps.

Image source - Style evolution

She wore this Christian Lacroix dress in Paris. She looked so beautiful. Words are not enough to describe her beauty here. 

Image source - Style evolution

  She's seen here wearing a silver glitzy dress and a beautiful pair of silver shoes to match it. 

Image source - Style evolution

 A more casual and relaxed look. She worked out to maintain her body. 

 She carried herself with confidence in this black dress designed by Christina Stambolian . She wore it for a dinner at the Serpentine gallery. 

Note : Google images.

N - Naomi Campbell

 

 Naomi Campbell is a name that is synonymous with fashion and glamour. She was one of the most popular personalities in the fashion world in the late 80s and early 90s. Remember seeing her in Michael Jackson's video ' In the Closet ! She was tall and her dusky complexion and sharp features set her apart from the rest.

Naomi was born in South London and was the daughter of Jamaican born dancer Valerie Morris. She was not allowed to visit her father. Her first public appearance was at the age of seven when she was featured in Bob Marley's song ' Is this Love'. She was one of the six models who was declared a super model in her generation. Naomi has walked the runway for top designers designers as Gianni Versace, Azzedine Alaïa, and Isaac Mizrahi. 

Walking the runway for Lakme Fashion week / www.glamcheck.com

She's been featured in more than five hundred magazines. She's been featured in campaigns for burberry, Prada, Varsace, Chanel, Dolce and Gabanna, Marc Jacobs amd Louis Vuitton. Naomi is  a humanitarian. She made fashion as a platform to do charity work too. In 2005 she established fashion for relief and hosted a charity show to raise funds for the victims of hurricane Katrina. Fashion for relief has raised millions of dollars for various causes.

She had a major setback in her personal life 2008. She pleaded guilty to assaulting  two police officers at London Heathrow Airport. She also settled a lawsuit filed by her former maid Gaby Gibson who claimed that Naomi had physically assaulted her. She even fought a five year drug addiction to cocaine.

She has passed the dark phases of her life. Naomi is still a strong force in the fashion industry. Recently she was in the news for her support for transgenders and encouraging them on runways.