Basics of French Style (Easy and Chic)

I asked myself what do I know about French style? The words classic, sophisticated, feminine, minimalistic, simple, Chic and confident instantly came to mind. 

No need to wonder that the French have been showing such an immaculate and iconic style as the home of amazing design houses, like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Louboutin, etc. While it is odd to generalize an entire culture of women and their fashion, (after all, not everyone is impeccably dressed in France as well); what truly makes French style one of a kind is their philosophy behind it.

Here, I am no expert on all things French, but have noticed some underlying themes after lusting over French styling sense which is easy and chic at the same time. Whether or not you love French style as much as I along with many other in this planet do; there are a few things to be learned from these fashionistas. 

Their secret behind the immaculate easy style sense are:

1. Focus on the basics:

Yes, French don’t ignore trends, but almost always they tend to focus on buying quality pieces that are timeless. Usually this means that they are more basic, such as dark skinny jeans, white button-downs, and solid-colored tees. Many times, we have seen them wearing many kinds of Black and white, that means they are versatile.

Investing in key pieces is also ideal for us with tight budget, because we won’t get as tempted to spend money on items that will only be wearable for a short time. Focus on versatility rather than trendiness when you shop.

Also, french women opt for flats rather than heels (sometimes even when partying !!). Why? You can have more fun in flats and best of all, they make dancing so much easier.

2. Dark colors are Evergreen:

While wearing dark colors many times, we tend to think they are boring, but hold on!! There’s a reason black is always in style. It looks good on everyone, matches almost with anything, and is dominantly stylish. Other neutrals, like camel, brown, gray, and navy blue, are also great and they do complement each other.

A wardrobe built from these colors (with some pops of color in between) makes it easy to create outfits because everything already matches. So, French know how to create fuss free and less time consuming wardrobe.

3. While dressing, Less is more:

Choosing Minimal accessories, fewer patterns (like Classic stripes) and colors often works wonder.

Their key is never look overdone or overly styled. Same is for Make up. Think subtle eye makeup and natural looking foundation and lip colors. 

 

 Also, they know how to make a statement with their Red Lipstick. Many times, Makeup isn't essential but colour-popping lipstick is French girl for "I'm making a statement".

Similarly, simple outfits can be amazingly stylish. For example, a black knit turtleneck and a leather skirt are both basic items, but the play with texture would create a chic outfit.

4. Choose Quality over quantity:

Because closet space is more limited (and expensive) in France, French woman often invests in fewer pieces of quality clothing that will last far longer than many cheap pieces of clothing.

5. Play with accessories:

A French woman’s closet may consist of more simple basics; their creativity lies in how they accessorize their outfits. Since accessories are usually cheaper than buying an entirely new outfit, this is especially handy for a tight budget as well.

 As a key ingredient in French girl style, scarves can take a boring outfit from blah to fashion-forward.

6. Invest in at least one Leather jacket:

French women can give us ample reasons for why every girl should own at least one leather jacket ! 

They’re incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down. They’re also super easy to clean, they are warm without being bulky… The list goes on.

So Investing in one, definitely wont make us regret later.

7. Show Confidence!

There is reason French women have such an enviable style because they wear their clothes with confidence.. 

French designer Yves Saint Laurent, is famously quoted as saying:

“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”

It’s not what you’re wearing, but how you’re wearing it. So, ladies, exude confidence and ooze style in what you have worn. Have a thoughtful day ahead and choose your thoughts just like you choose your clothes. Stay blessed. :-)

Image courtesy: web 

Style Diaries : OSCAR Red Carpet

A Gap must be for a purpose. That is what I feel for my Blogging activeness. Though it may sound an excuse for not posting a single post in a month!! Still, I don't have any regrets as this gap was for my precious time with family, as a doting mother. A Blogger took a backseat for a Mother, I would say. And I hope my readers know what family time actually means :-). So, here I am with some of the finest memories of OSCAR Award Ceremony that was held sometime ago.

Every Occasion has its own charm and OSCAR Red carpet has been remaining to be at it's excellence with each passing years, getting better of course. This time around, some classic silhouette and style were adapted by these celebrities that you probably don't want to miss at all. Take a Glimpse these are my favorite picks.

Bling Factor

There was a lot of Bling moment in latest OSCAR Red Carpet. Most of them were in nude shades and earthy, jewel tones. 

Angelina Jolie

Kate Blanchet in Floral Applique sequined sheer dress

Sally Hawkins

Jenna Dewan in Reem Acra

Emma Watson in Mettalic Black separates

Also, does aging means no fun? Not At all. What an example of wearing Emerald, a hit Jewel tone. Sheer Metallic, Bling and sequins with Appliqués and embellishments whatever you like. Take a chance. Bling is here to stay. Lessons learnt: Shine in your own Bling. :-)

June Squibb in Sequinned Emerald Dress

Black and White Classic

Have you read this post? I think these celebrities have read my post and wore accordingly (Just kidding)! Black and White are a cult classic and can be repeated year after year.

Meryl Streep

Anne Hathaway in Prada

Olivia Wilde

Black and White are combination best suited for almost any occasion, from party to office. Channel your inner vixen and mesmerize the world by your Black magic, that's what this OSCAR Red carpet was screaming.

Nude and Blush Babble

While we may feel brighter in color and love to explore, Nude and blush shades make us look somber and calm within. Best part of Nude shade is, you can find every shade of nude as per our complexion. 

Portia De Rossi

Lupita Nyong in Prada

Naomi Watts in Calvein Klein

Kate Hudson

Penelope Cruz

Nude is completely not Racist. There's no any restriction for use of Powder Blue, Blush Pink. These are certainly flattering to every woman of this world and OSCAR 2014 has proved it :-). Yes, Lupita, You've said " No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid !" Respect to you.

I am on serious envy mode (Clothes you see :-), Still we can manage with the hint of styling these shades and colors in our stride. What do you like the most in latest OSCAR event ?

Summer dressing up with an edge (Recycle your outfit !)

There are times when we tend to realize that jacket hanging in closet is of no use in summer, monsoon and autumn days. That old sundress is too old to use and recycle. But we need to re think again. Because here are the ways to let style factor flourish regardless of change in weather. Now sit back and have a cuppa of tea/coffee as i am doing while writing this post.  

Simple, comfortable and stylish outfit ideas in every season are easy to channelize with some great ideas that will save us from breaking the bank and celebrities often show us how. :-)

Style Tip 1 : Mixing up with Bold and statement making accessories

Have a pastel colored sundress or any dress and you are bored wearing it in every season repeateadly ! No need to get bored. Wear that ever friendly sundress you have, mix with shoes/sandal in contrast color. Red is versatile. And wear a bold watch. I would have worn watch of my Dad or Huby. :-) That's it. Look yourself in the mirror. Smile for what you have. You need not go head to Toe Matchy matchy. Explore color with contrast. 

Gyenith Paltrow in Cream Summer dress

Here, Gwyneth Paltrow experiments with creamy white skirt and some understated fun with accessories that is not too loud. 

Style Tip 2: Enjoy being a Lady with Polka Dots

Kerry Washington has shown that the classic print Polka dots is modern, not matronly. We can go for feminine pieces and add simple yet sexy versatile accessories like steel grey purse, shoes. Showing a little skin via V shaped neckline and/or arms via cap sleeve is a super classic. 

Kerry Washington in Polka dotted dress

This will suit even in every kind of profession for working women. If not a dress, we can even explore the magic of a good Polka dot V naked blouse/shirt for office. 

A 'V' naked Polka dotted blouse

Style Tip 3 : Floral with Leather Jacket 

Florals are synonyms for dressing up in summer, i think. And it makes us look more of a lady and refreshens our overall look. Combine floral with Leather jackets; the look is much edgier and sharp. It has personality and substance.

Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough's outfit shows floral can be taken to an edgier direction. Her sweet printed pants get some attitude with motorcycle jacket and buckled sandals. That's much hint for us to recycle an outfit. isn't it ?

Style Tip 4 : Sweater in summer ? YES .

Shocked with the caption ? Don't be. Jessica Alba oozes like a fresh breeze in the street with a crocheted sweater, fun shades, and floral kicks make jeans (especially pastel ones) feel light, fresh, and very cool. 

Jessica Alba

Our regular Old Jeans in pastel color will look great combining with a pastel and/or bright hued crocheted top. This is slowing becoming a classic that will repeat in every season. With layers and some funky accessories of our own choice. 

Style Tip 5: Monochromatic dresses that is party ready

Dress in a single color and that is airy but looks sexy and needs no more accessories is just SIGH !! The fierce Red summer dress of Eva Mendes can take her right from street to date night. A floaty dress  is fit in her body frame and shown alluringly against curves, while a pastel-green bag is the color you don't expect, but love.

Eva Mendes

It's all about realizing and respecting what we have and how we can re purpose. Think, think and think again. You never know a dress hanging far in your closet can make you still look a princess in your own!

7 Things to learn from Oscar 2013 Red Carpet Style!!

Oscar Red Carpet!! Style and fashion watchers' delight!! As usual celebrities flocked in the Red Carpet for most prestigious award show in America with many of most celebrated designers' designs. All is the same with the event as many of those similar events happening around the world; cameras focused to spy every inches of the celebrities, The WHO WORE WHATs ? Best dressed and Not so best dressed! But what catches my interests here is the way stylists have styled them and what we style watchers (let's admit) can learn few tricks for many of our BIG events in our not so BIG LIFE! If not as big as OSCAR. Sigh!!

Now let's come to the point and stay with me for What we can learn from the OSCAR 2013 Red Carpet Style ! Completely My perspective!

Style Tip 1 : Not too loud and somber color can make us stand out in the crowd.

How? The answer is Amanda Seyfried. Look at her, Simple make up and not over the top hairstyle. Well chosen Steel Grey color that blends so well with her skin tone. It has made her one of the Best dressed of the event yesterday. We sometimes need to select very cool and somber color to blend with such special occasions that will make us stand out. Positively :-). 

Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen gown

Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille

Anne Hathaway in Prada satin gown

Naomie Harris in Light Mustard color gown

Octavia in Tadashi Shoji Cream dress

Style Tip 2: Black and White are forever. When in Doubt, Black and White is always recommended.

As smart as the color depicts always. Black and White are the safest choice style wise one can hardly go wrong with. Celebrities know it and have been using fearlessly for such a Big event like OSCAR. Play with neckline or pair with some statement making accessories, there you go.

Charlize Theron in Christian Dior

Samantha Barks in Valentino

Giuliana Rancic in Black Satin gown

Adele in Jenny Packham Black Chiffon Gown with shimmer

Kirsten Chenoweth in Black Gown

Kelly Osbourne

Shaun Robinson in Black and Off White dress

Sunrise Coigney with Mark Ruffalo in Black and White dress with leather Bodice

Style Tip 3 : Red is the color of All Seasons.

Seriously. There are hardly any negative comments seen or heard for the way Red dresses are worn. may be the stylists of these celebrities are too good enough to take any risk. Whatever may the reason be, Red, Oxblood, Burgundy can look women of any age better than that of any other color. It's Hot and the color of all seasons that make us feel special. 

Sally Field in Valentino

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino Big red ball gown

Marcia Gay Harden in Red satin gown

Olivia Munn wore a Marchesa dress

Style Tip 4: Dress for sheer fun. Critics will always get something out of you to criticize.

Now I seriously mean it. We can't please everyone in our daily lives. Same is applied style wise. Dress for what you want to be and show to the world your true personality. Splash yourself in color that suits you and Give Naysayer another reason to scream! Colors can make you smile and happy with no reason at all and who will not love colors and brightness in our lives? 

Maria Menounos in Fuchsia Pink  Strapless Gown

Jane Fonda in a floor length yellow Versace gown

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu

Style Tip 5 : Make your Inner Princess Shine. Frills, appliques, lace, sheer what's your choice ?

Now that sounds pretty much like my blog title. :-) No, it's not about the heavy and princessy ball gowns with more heavy price tags. It's about shining your inner you and respecting for who you are. True Woman. Most of us girls will always love laces, frills, sheers, shimmer and blings (if not all of us). Stay smart while dressing up and channelize your inner princess with your own attitude.  If possible, gowns like these won't hurt though :-).

Jennifer lawrence in Dior Haute Couture Dress

Amy Adams in a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown

Gloria Reuben in Deep Purple and Violet Mermaid Gown with floral appliques

Twilight star Kristen Stewart was seen in a Reem Acra gown

Jennifer Garner wore a custom-made purple Gucci gown

Style Tip 5 : If trend can make you look this good, Why Not say yes to Sequins and Blings ?

Sequinned and mettallic dresses are trend yet again and what's bad with it unless it won't hurt our eyes! Explore with the Metallic hues in your wardrobe if you are trying to make a statement. If you are not a bling and sequin person, you can still turn the heads in subtle way with outfits that has very few parts sequined.

Catherine Zeta-Jones rocked the red carpet in a Zuhair Murad dress.

Sandra Bullock in Ellie Saab

Stacy Keibler with George Clooney in a Naeem Khan dress with Sequins

Halle Berry in a Black Sequinned Versace gown

Lara Spencer in a Sequinned gown

First Lady Michelle Obama in a Naeem Khan sequinned dress in a surprise speech for Best picture

Norah Jones in Grey Shimmer gown

Nicole Kidman wore a L'Wren Scott dress

Naomi Watts went metallic in a Armani Prive dress

Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive was palely beautiful in metallic almost nude floor length gown

Style Tip 6 : 'Being Blue' is NOT only being sad. Blue is the color for everyday Woman.

Do you think Blue is the color of sadness? Think again and look at the celebrities below. OSCAR 2013 Red carpet showed us many shades of blue in outfits. As the Royal Blue is always a stunning choice and suits with almost any skin complexion, there are other subtle hues of Blue like Navy blue and sky blue. Some did fantastic job with printed Blue with other complementary colors like Black and white. Explore and decide what shade looks good on you.

Jennifer Hudson wore a Roberto Cavalli Couture dress

Emmanuelle Riva in Blue Dress

Jamie Foxx with Corinne Bishop in a Blue Chiffon Gown

Kelly Ripa in a printed Navy Blue and White dress

Salma Hayek in a black gown with gold embellishment

Reese Witherspoon in a Blue Louis Vuitton dress

Robin Roberts in Royal Blue Velvet Gown

Style Tip 7 : A dress 'in Budget' can take you to the OSCARS !!

Helen Hunt sets example for everyday women getting to the OSCARS Red carpet in a H & M dress. She does it with panache and shows me exactly what I want to say through this post and always. We don't always need to prefer Big name and brands behind the outfits and labels, a simple and elegant existing outfit in our closet can make our day. Just give it a try !!

Helen Hunt in a H&M dress

So this is the END for my take on OSCAR 2013 Red carpet and I am already waiting for the next year. :-) The Million Dollar question here is, do you celebrate being yourself via your clothes? I will love to know how.