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 

How to create many looks with Plain White T-shirt (Mens' Edition)

A plain white T-shirt is a wardrobe staple for many of us. Let not make it boring in/as men's wear. A plain white tee is equally important to re create many looks as we want. Here is a simple 'How to Re-create as many looks with a Plain White T-shirt for Men'. So, spice it up and don’t ignore that simple and plain White T shirt you already own.

# Make it your casual best friend: 

Nothing says "fresh and clean" like a crisp white tee. The simplicity of a white tee lets you add some layers without complicating the look. Shorts, flannel/Check shirt, and brightly colored accessories all make fine companions.

 

# Combine with Khaki:

Just pair a crisp white tee with some classic khakis, and half-tuck the shirt as an ode to the '50s.

# Dressed down in Blazer:

For a look that's, trim and tidy but not overly formal; you can easily choose a T-shirt and blazer. A white tee keeps the colors subdued, and underscores your blazer of choice, be it brown suede or navy blue.

# Ready for weekend :

Don't always opt for sweatpants while heading out. A white tee can help you retain your appearance with minimal added effort. Jeans and a tee can go with almost any cardigan, so pick your favorite and hit the road.

# Informal 'Formal':

A white tee sure can clean up nice. Don't want to all suited up in your standard suit, skip the tie and button-down.  It may not make the mark in a black tie wedding, but you'll be able to rock your suit in a wide range of settings without drawing undue attention.

So, next time when you see your plain white T shirt lying ignored in your cup board, what will you do? This post aims at helping you to accessorize with what you already have. Do you like this post on Mens' wear? Till next post. Take care.

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 ?

Plus Size dressing Ideas and New Rules

Being a working woman means you always need to look presentable and being a plus size and means you have to think twice before making your sartorial choices. I can't just open my closet (gasp....I will love to have one), and wear 'Something' accordingly. Like many other ladies, I have to re-consider my outfit and judge my look even though I hate to.

So, does 'being presentable for a plus size' mean you can't wear what you love/like? I think otherwise. :-) After searching and window shopping most of the shops and stores, I've found it's difficult to find a perfect item for making a perfect outfit for plus size. You ask How to rock a plus size figure? Here we go.........

# Style Tip No. 1: Brighten Up Yourself

Don't cover yourself in black and brown though they are versatile. "Black lets you hide, but that's not always good! A bright piece with a slimming fit, like the red pencil skirt, will draw the right kind of attention" says Aimee Cheshire, the size-16 CEO of madisonplusselect.com (she is in the picture below).

Image via: MSN

If you think Red Skirt is vibrant for you and not versatile enough to blend with other pieces you already have, think about Maroon, Burgundy, Navy Blue.

 

Image via : Wardrobe oxygen

# Style Tip No. 2: Play with your look

This one is made for me literally. Every time I head to stores to purchase a new piece thinking of I'll explore my new look with it, I tend to get attracted in same old ones that have done nothing good in my present personality. They might have been good for my old body but now it's not acceptable to my body of a different size and shape! :-)  

Image via : www.outfitidentifier.com

Aimee Cheshire says again that if you think skinny jeans is not for plus size, then think again! She says to try ones in heavy denim with a lot of stretch; they will smooth us out and hold us in. A flowy top keeps our look in proportion or style it with your well tailored Blazer for sophistication.

# Style Tip No. 3: Be Bold with Prints

Many of us think large prints will make us look bigger. In many cases it certainly does. But according to new plus size rule, go for one with a graphic that's randomly placed," says Aimee. 

It keeps the eye moving, so it doesn't draw attention to one spot. Larger prints complement our body figure a lot better than tiny ones.

# Style Tip No. 4: Yes Horizontal Stripes!

Stripes are trending, they are classic and versatile for many other pieces we already have. But for plus size? Horizontal stripes can make plus size body wider than it really is, so the idea is to wear thin stripes on a dark background. 

Image via : Wardrobe Oxygen

They won't highlight problem areas like thick ones can. We can add layering pieces that will help to define curves.

# Style Tip No. 5: Embrace Layering

Stylists swear by it. Layering is one of the best ways to enhance the curves we have and getting those pieces in use.

Image via: www.Curvygirlchic.com

Either it's a cardigan, a short moto leather jacket or a blazer, layering them over and putting together will make us not only hide our problem areas, and it defines curves.

 

Image via: www.girlwithcurves.com

One point in layering, stay safe from adding bulk and define your silhouette. We can even define our natural waist with a belt; it will give a lean silhouette and cinches our waist where we have unnecessary flab.

# Style Tip No. 6: Get 1 outfit in Peplum

Peplum can actually be a great addition if we are trying to get one new piece. Besides being fun, peplum can also reduce width of the waist so we’ll appear curvier and can also hide flab around our belly area.

Image via : www.girlwithcurves.com

Peplum tops look best when worn with a curve skimming bottom. Skinny or straight leg jeans or a pencil skirt will give you a tailored, well put together look.

Image via : Kayla Taylor (www.Pinterest.com)

So, instead of getting frustrated, applying these measures will save us traumatic situation while creating outfits from pieces we already own. These are even called 'New Rules for Plus size' that will flatter most of the bodies.

I must say Forget the rules the magazines state you must follow, we can happily wear horizontal stripes, bright colors, and skinny. Just make sure they fit properly and go with your body style. And we should never forget no outfit is made for making us look thinner, it will only make us look put together. I've decided to create an outfit considering what I already own and then I should purchase further.

What do you do to enhance your curves and is this post beneficial for you? Will be happy to share. Thankx for the read.