Power Dressing

This season go the power dressing way - immaculate cuts, figure hugging fits that accentuate the contours of the body, structured jackets, tailored dresses, cinched waistlines, killer heels, statement jewellery and simple, structured bags, it's all about like you mean business. Fierce but feminine, like Sandra Bullock's style in the movie The Proposal or Victoria Beckham' style. It has a modern aesthetic that’s more feminine and even sexy this time around. A look that will work for the office as well as parties.

Why power dressing?
Well-fitted cuts gives a feeling of formality and structured clothes are associated with confidence. It exudes elegance with comfort and ease. Figure grazing clothes accentuate the female body form while hiding the problem areas. This modern chic classic charm can be carried off with confidence by every woman..


Victoria Beckham at an ad shoot in London

Victoria Beckham at an ad shoot in London's Notting Hill area in her own creation. The grey dress spells of power yet the flair with cut and ruffles adds feminine touch to it.
You like? Click here to buy (Victoria Beckham Carmontelle cashmere-blend dress for £2,258.57).
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Victoria Beckham at an ad shoot in LondonSource

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Victoria Beckham - power dressing in casual avatar
Skinny jeans, high heels, tailored jacket and simple Hermes bag, the look is simple, clean and casual and yet a power-dressing style.
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Victoria Beckham catching flight at Heathrow.

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Working the look

Here's how you can work the look, also glance at some celebs who have worked this look well.
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- Pick jackets and blazers that are nipped in at the waist to create flattering curves and choose bold colours to wear underneath to add som interet to your look – not the boring pastel shades or beige but a bold red or empowering orange.
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Moschino Cheap and Chic

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- Pick straight, tailored, smart, high-waisted pencil skirts or trousers, sheath dress in thick fabric and find a style that you feel most confident and comfortable in. Remember to keep accessories to a minimum choosing one statement piece. Scarves, brooches, not-so-overpowering necklace are some good options. Choose subtle structured, clean tote or handbag to finish your confident, empowering and fashionably fierce look. You can colour co-ordinate your shoes and bag.

- Invest in quality pieces like a fantastic blouse, tailored dress and a razor sharp blazer (loved the grey dress Sandra wore in the movie The Proposal) that will not only confirm your fashion credentials, but will look great for a few seasons to come.

- In the make-up department remember to keep it subtle. To carry off this look with a feminine touch, focus on just one feature such as the eyes, cheeks or lips. Red lips would work well, it spell of power yet looks sexy at the same time (may not be great at everyone's workplace though, but perfect for parties).
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And this style is not just for the workplace. You can wear it to parties, lunches or dinner, wherever you choose.

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Related Posts:
Sandra Bullock - The Proposal Wardrobe
Handbags for Spring/Summer 2009
RED ALERT
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Celebrity Watch - OTT Stylish

Victoria Beckham

Although Posh has adopted a very classy and sophisticated impeccable style, which can be predictable at times, but sometimes her edgy look creates a new fashion statement. She was seen at the Heathrow wearing an Loewe ensemble which I am sure very few women can carry that well.
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She looks every inch stylish in the high-waisted white pants teamed with polka dot shirt (both Loewe). In the accessorise department, she wore her trademark black shades. Her Loewe bag (thank God not Hermes for a change) goes well with the outfit, but I don't like the suede Yves Saint Laurent Tribute heels she was wearing, though you can barely see them as they are hidden by her long pants.
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Victoria Beckham coming out of Heathrow

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Loewe Spring 2009 Collection as seen on Victoria Beckham

Kim Kardashian - Shopping in West Hollywood

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Kim was spotted shopping in West Hollywood looking chic in a casual black ensemble. She is wearing a black jumpsuit (I love jumpsuits for their simple minimilistic chic, comfort and versatility), a smart black bag (does anyone know which Bag is Kim carrying? pls post your comment), delectable silver and black gladiators and a black necklace that adds punk to he outfit. I love black, and surely love her all black ensemble.
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Kim Kardshian shopping
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Sienna Miller at "G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra" Japan Premiere
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To make a style statement is certainly a hardwork. And then in an endevour to make one and falling off so badly does take some efforts too. Some things are best left on the runway, but apparently Sienna Miller did not realise it when she wore bold Gucci leopard sequin suit at the G.I. Joe premiere in Japan. The model wore it on Gucci's runway the same way - midnight blue lurex shirt, shiny suit, peep-toe booties. But like I said, some looks are best left for the runway.
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The jacket or the shirt by itself are quite stylish. But putting all the sparkle together just did not work for us.
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You like it?
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Sienna Miller in Gucci at G.I. Joe Premiere in Japan

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Sandra Bullock at The Proposal Premiere in California

Sandra wore a satin asymmetrical Alexander McQueen dress with layered necklaces and Bally Ilya black suede and lizard ankle strap platform shoes at the premiere of her movie 'The Proposal' in California. She looks quirky and chic. Her necklaces add the glam factor to the dress, giving her LBD an edge.

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Sandra Bullock at The Proposal Premiere

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Related Posts:
Sandra Bullock - The Proposal Wardrobe
Celebrity Watch - The Chic Looks
Celebs LOOK FOR LESS
Cannes Film Festival 2009 - Celebrity Styles
Get Dotty - Dots are Hot this Season
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UPDATES ON PREVIOUS POSTS

The Encyclopedia of Lip Balms - La Mer Lip Balm Review added
La Mer Lip Balm (one of the world's most expensive lip balm; $45 for just 0.32 oz) moisturises and soothes even the most dry and chappy lips and lasts on lips for hours keeping them softer. See the post for full review.

Beautify - Shop List - added French Connection Structured Black Shoulder Bag
One of the most useful accessories that is simple, stylish, chic and clasic piece, this French Connection shoulder bag is on my shop list, at £60 itsa great buy and a great brand too. Click here to see the Affordable Lust List (updated).

Waist Cinching Belt - Sandra Bullock images and waist cinching belt style added
Sandra Bullock attends The Proposal Photo Call andPress Conference in Madrid to promote her movie 'The Proposal'. She wears a Micheal Kors wrap dress, for pictures and more details click here.

Celebs LOOK FOR LESS - added Reese Witherspoon's cute and casual look
Reese Witherspoon was spotted strolling in sun in LA in a blue tank with printed matching skirt with gladiator sandals in a casual yet stylish avatar. Get her look for less, images and shopping links added.

Sandra Bullock - The Proposal Wardrobe

I recently saw Sandra Bullock's romantic comedy 'The Proposal' and totally loved her wardrobe in the movie. Structured dresses and suits, delectable bags and amazing killer heels.

In the movie she is playing a high powered book editor and a dominating boss in New York, dressed in cinch-waisted suits and Louboutin shoes. She's successful and powerful and her wardrobe totally reflects the personality. Cat Thomas, her stylist in the movie, worked a look that spell of power but was feminine at the same time - structured silhouettes, classy bags, black high heels, plunging necklines.

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Images from the Movie - 'The Proposal'
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Sandra Bullock is wearing cinched-waist black suit that is paired with black Christian Louboutin peep-toed pumps and Prada bag. Her hair-do is completely going with the look, poker straight hair tied in a high-pony.
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Her shoes remind me of what Reese Witherspoon was wearing in the movie Four Christmases.

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She wears a grey dress with plunging neckline at a small get-together that is arranged to welcome her so-called fiance, where they are going to announce thier wedding plan. The dress is simple, classy and very sophiticated. The detailing at the neckline gives an edge to this simple grey dress. You maybe thinking why would someone be clad so blandly for wedding announcement, but see the movie to get your answer. Anyway, the dress totally gets my vote (not for the occassion though).
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Sandra Bullock wearing Face a Face Ylang 1 Sunglasses in The Proposal

The Face to Face Sunglasses Sandra Bullock is wearing in the movie also looks very classy and sophisticated. The model she is wearing is Face a Face Ylang 1 with a smoky gray fram and beveled turtoise front. Face a Face is an exclusive French eyewear brand.
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Her style in the movie reminds me of Victoria Beckham. High heels, classy bags (Hermes, the one Bullock is carrying in yellow, is also Ms Beckham's one of the favourite styles), blacks and greys, simple sharply tailored silhouettes. What's your verdict?

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Sandra Bullock at the "Late Show with David Letterman" in NYC
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Sandra Bullock at the "Late Show with David Letterman" in New York City

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Sandra Bullock looks simple and stylish arriving at a studio in NYC to record for the 'Late Show With David Letterman' to promote her movie ''The Proposal''.
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Like her simple grey pinstriped dress which she paired with a black cardigan and black Azzedine Alaia shoes. To accessorize she wore a gold pendant with 'om' engraved on it.

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Related Posts:
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CRUELTY FREE FASHION
Celebrity Watch - The Chic Looks
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Loving the Little White Dress

We have talked about the Little Black Dress earlier, its hot, its so of the moment and looks absolutely awesome. In fact it has never been more trendy than now. It has become a new classic.

The best thing about the Little White Dress is that while it's completely chic alone, you can also jazz it up with just about anything - chunky accesories or pop of (any) colour for an instant update.

From crisp cotton to flowy fabrics to lacy inserts, the profusion of white on the spring runways proves that the season would not be the same without the little white dress. The LBD is definitely classic, but LWD is extremely popular right now and has kind of become an obsession with the celebs too.
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Cameron Diaz in Oscar De La Renta Little White Dress at Hall of Fame

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Eva Mendes in Italy in a gorgeous Dolce and Gabbana LWD

Eva Mendes looks chic in her sun-kissed look in a little white dress, paired with nude espadrilles, a smart canvas bag and a stack of bangles.
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How to wear the Little White Dress?
You can pair your LWD with any accessories you like. Every colour would go well with white - reds, blacks, pinks, brights, pastels just about anything. Love the way Cameron has worked the red accessories with her LWD. For more tips on wearing your LWD, click here.


Our Pick
Little White Shirt Dress from Armani Exchange
available for $89 (Was $130) in sale, click here to buy.
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Related Posts:
Snow White in Summer
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Best Perfumes For Spring/Summer

When the temperature soars, it is best to keep the intense, loud fragrances for cold days. Your summer perfume must keep you calm and refreshing despite the heat. Light aromas like citron, ozone, aqua based, floral and sea aromas work best for summers.

Given below is a list of some of the best perfumes for spring summer that you'll love wearing.

Read on at the bottom for smart tip on how to make your fragrance last longer.

1. Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue - This fresh, floral-fruity refreshing fragrance reflects the sexiness of Mediterranean style that you can wear at any time of the day. Its one of my personal favourites.

2. Gucci Flora - Flora has a light, subtle, sophisticated floral fragrance with fruity top-notes. It’s floral but not too floral it’s vaguely peach-y but not too fruity, it’s sweetish but not too sweet. Love the smell.
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3. Miss Dior Chérie L'eau - This floral scent with aromas of white musk, bitter orange and gardenia leaves a long lasting feeling of cleanliness and freshness. You'll smell fantastic with this wonderful fragrance.
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4. Escada Into the Blue - An evocative blue aquatic floral scent, perfect for hot summer days. The fragrance opens on fresh, green notes of leaves and herbs, enlivened with a pop of star fruit. Peony helps form the floral heart, while the base includes woods and amber. Its sexy and refreshing at the same time.
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5. Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf - A wonderful fragrance, with its floral notes and distinctive sophisticated smell is great for summers (and winters too). It has notes of bergamot, sambac jasmine, tea, orange tree, catleya orchid, freesia, rose, and amber, musk, and patchouli.
They say 'the fragrance's evocative notes will immediately awaken your deepest senses, giving you the impression of living life in your own secret garden away from hard reality', and rightly so. It smells heaven and distinctive. Its sensuous and refreshing, and would instantly brighten your mood. Totally love this perfume.

Light blue and flowerbomb were featured in the Top Ten Perfumes for Winter List too.

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Perfume Tip:
- Keep your fragrance out of direct sunlight as the sun rays cause it to fade and the chemicals react differently, changing the smell.

- Spray perfume behind your knees, it will waft upwards and last the whole day.

- Never rub the area where you have sprayed the perfume, because rubbing crushes the molecules of the fragrance & ruins the scent.


P.S. Share your favourite summer fragrance!!!!!


Related Posts:
Ten Best Perfumes For Winter
Summer Must Haves
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RED ALERT

This season's biggest beauty trend - Sexy RED LIPS. Celebrities to runways to the style divas, Red Lipstick is a must have for everyone, and we are already seeing it. From the vivid sports-coupe crimson worn at YSL to the juicy tomato shade that showed up at Ruffian by M.A.C, the fall ’09 runways were overrun with glamorous vermilion mouths. L’Oréal is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and red lipstick happens to be staging a major comeback even by them.
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Well now we might thing, when was red not in fashion? No wonder red lips have a place in every season but this season you can wear it anytime and anyplace.

Any woman can pull off red lipsticks as long as she wears the right shade of red. Berries, crimson, corals or classic red - there is a perfect shade for every single one of us; its just a matter of some research and right selection.

How to find the perfect red for your lips?
- Lip Size: For thinner lips the lighter shades of red flatter your complexion, while opt for darker shades of red if you have fuller lips.
- Skin Tone: The darker your skin tone, the darker shade of red you should choose. So paler skin pink tones of red, berry reds and plum tones would look best and those with darker skin tones, such as olive, orangey reds, brown based reds and golden reds would complient well.

Does your red lipstcik suit you?
You can tell immediately if a lipstick suits you because it lights up your eyes, your hair, your skin.

How to wear red lipstick?
To keep the focus on your red lips keep your make-up mininal. The naural and subtle your make-up, the better it compliments the red lipstick. You can even out your skin with a base or luminiser to get it looking even but natural and apply mascara, very little liner or eyeshadow. Natural blush on the apples of the cheeks would finish your red-lips look.

At Cannes Angelina Jolie sported the most provocative inflated red pout imaginable, offset by minimal eye make up and a nude-coloured dress.

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Angelina Jolie at 'Inglourious Basterds' premiere during the 62nd International Cannes Film Festival

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Related Posts:
Choosing your Lipstick
Is your lipstick safe? - LEAD IN LIPSTICK
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La Mer - The Lip Balm

Review: Crem De La Mer Lip Balm

They say....
"A luxurious emulsion that helps lips look and feel smoother and softer. It is infused with a potent concentration of Miracle Broth™ to soothe the lips on contact, softening roughness and helping reduce dryness for a softer, a smoother look and feel."
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How's it?

Yup I have said it before for Elizabeth Arden's eight hour cream, until I came across La Mer's the Lip Balm - but it seriously is the best lip balm ever. Whatever they say about the product is absolutely true. No exaggeration.

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I was just strolling at the beauty counter in a departmental store and came across La Mer. Found the packaging of the lip balm simple yet attractive, and thought of trying it. The moment I applied the lip balm, I fell in love. The colourless balm with subtle mint flavour just pepped up my tired mood. But then, I thought I should not jump to conclusion and didn't buy it right away. However, even after two hours of application of the Lip Balm, my lips stayed super soft and hint of its mint flavour also lingered. It felt great and gave awesome results too, and I decided to buy it.

Its great for exreme weather conditions. Most of the lip balms don't work well in extremely cold weather, but it does not disappoint. Keeps the lips soft and supple even during winters

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Does it last?

Most certainly. It stays longer and keeps the lips smooth. In fact, ever since I have bought La Mer's lip balm, I am loving it. My lips have never been chappy ever since I have started using it.

Better than Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream?

I still like Elizabeth Arden too, use both of them. It scores over Elizabeth Arden's lip balm, since its minty flavour leaves a good smell and is refreshing, unlike Elizabeth's herbal strong smell. They both stay longer, keep the lips soft and smooth, but La Mer feels and smells better, though Elizabeth's gives more shine.
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Worth it at $45 (£35)?

Totally. longer, so if you can pay extra for quality then it's totally worth it. It will last you atleast 6-7 months and if you don't apply too frequently then maybe even a year. It's better than buying lots of lip balms on whim and ending up wasting money. Plus your lips would feel and look better too.

Though I agree, it's a luxury and not an essential, so if our lips are healthy and not a problem area, you could easily buy some other good one like Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour cream. Click here to buy for US customers. UK?

For more Lip Balm Reviews, read The Encyclopedia of Lip Balms

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The Encyclopedia of Lip Balms

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Best Beauty Products

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Beautify - Shop List

Things I want to buy - the affordable lust list

Obviously some luxuries are allowed :)

1. Lust Shoes

Linn Sandals from Faith - These stunning pink sandals in satin with buckle sling back would instantly brighten up your look adding style and grace to it. They're stylish and sophistiated.

Height - 4.5 inches, material - Satin. At £55.00 it is a must buy. Click here to buy




2. Lux Clutch

Stella McCartney's foldover Velvet Clutch is an absolute must have luxury especially when you are getting it at a 50% discount for £198.45. This delectable evening clutch is generously sized with just enough room for all your essentials. The metallic gold frame can come in useful if you want to hang on your wrist and look stylish at the same time - convenience with style.


Consedering the style it can be used for the day too. It comes in two colours grey and purple. Available at 50% discount at theoutnet.com (for a limited period), click here to buy.
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3. Tom Ford Sandrine Sunglasses
Sandrine, Tom Ford's chocolate brown oversized oval sunglasses with gradient tinted lenses are an absolute delight. Fav with celebs, this pair is sure to have heads turn to you, while giving you maximum potection from harmful UV rays.

And the great news it, it is currently available at a great discount on Net-a-Porter.com
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Was £263.30, Now £184.31, click here to buy.

Wear these brown frame sunglasses with a long kaftan and gold jewellery for a chic beach look.


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4. Indispensable Black Shoulder Bag
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French Connection Front Buckle Shoulder Bag is simple, structured, stylish and very useful. No matter how many bags you buy, you end up using the simple and structured bags most of the times. Its size ensured you can carry all the essentials, black goes well with most outfit and you can wear it to work as well as to run errands or to shop.
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And the best part is, it is cruelty free. At £60 this French Connection bag is absolute delight with its simple detailings like front buckle and pleated effects. Click here to buy.



BEAUTY LUST LIST

Chantecaille Moisturiser & Clay Mask

I heard about Chantecaille products through magazines and googling and was completely sold by their description. Recently one of my friends toldme she is using Chantecaille products and is totally loving it. She gave me a sample of their moisturiser, and I completely fell in love with it. It made my skin clear and soft, and naturally glowing.

Chantecaille Water Flower Fluid oil-free, lightweight moisturizer is packed with antioxidant Vitamins A, E and C from fresh oranges. And Chantecaille Detox Clay Mask is best product to emove blemishes and blackheads, leaving your skin glowing. The best part about both these products are they are vegan, and hence have no killed any poor animalto make these products.

You can visit Chantecaille's website (USA) to buy these products. In UK? Click here to buy. Chantecaille Water Flower Fluid is for £55 ($67) and clay mask is for ($75)


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Best Online Fashion Stores Directory
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InSpot - Sonam Kapoor and her style must-haves

The one lady who's really got exceptionally classy sense of style in Bollywood is certainly Sonam Kapoor. After becoming L'Oreal's Brand Ambassador, the young actress has now featured in Next Generation: Asia Class of 2009, a special edition of Hollywood's trade bible The Hollywood Reporter. In fact, Sonam is the only Indian Representative selected by the journal.

With her long legs, slim frame, pretty face, million-dollar smile and gorgeous long hair, Sonam carries off just about any look. She plays with her clothes, accessories, hair and make-up to come up with a refreshing yet chic look each time. She sure knows how to play with accessories. Whether it is her Chanel bag or a fun dress picked from Topshop, she mixes and matches and carries herself with poise.

I am glad atleast someone in Bollywood knows fashion and style and doesn't wear those flimsy hideous clothes that most of the Bollywod girls are clad in while flaunting the labels.
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Sonam Kapoor at IIFA Charity show in Anamika Khanna dress

Sonam Kapoor looking gorgeous @ ‘Aisha’ Music Launch

in Vivienne Westwood polka dress

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Sonam Kapoor in Aisha

Sonam plays fashionistas in Bollywood's first chick flick - Aisha. She's clad in luxury designers - Christian Dior, Chanel, DvF and Ferragamo and looks absolutely stunning and stylish.

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Sonam Kapoor with her co-star in Aisha in a Chanel bag (Above) and Chanel dress (below)

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Sonam Kapoor in Magazines

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Sonam in Vogue January 2010 Coverpage
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Sonam in Harper Bazaar

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On her style, Sonam says, "I am open to different things and experimenting with my look. I am fine with a buffoon look, sober Indian look, boho, grunge, etc as I love to play around with my look."

Sonam’s top 12 style must-haves:

My Bag: Make that ‘bags’. I love big bags. I have Prada’s skin bag and fringe bag, a few Chanels, three Marc Jacobs including the quilted Stam bag, a fabulous silver Gucci my mom gifted me and several Swarovski evening clutches.

In my handbag: Two phones - one iPhone and one Nokia, a Conair hairbrush, a Valentino wallet, credit cards, cash, a Jill Thompson make-up case, Neutrogena sunscreen with SPF 45, a couple of perfumes - Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Silver Rain by La Prairie and Michael by Michael Kors, MAC lip balm, Creme de la Mer cream, moisturiser by Lancome, Chanel and MAC cheek tints, vitamins.

Flats or heels: Both. I love Christian Louboutin and Chanel shoes. Right now i’m loving my Jimmy Choo silver flats too. Sneakers by Stella McCartney for Adidas, and Nike. Embroidered mojris from Lucknow.

Best places to shop: The best place for fashion is New York. I pick up stuff from department stores, the Village, 5th Avenue and vintage stores. In fact, i picked up a vintage Chanel couture dress and some great pieces by Missoni, YSL and Diane von Furstenburg in vintage stores. It helps that I’m a size 4.

Favourtie designers: Chanel, YSL, John Galliano for Dior, Chloe, Balenciaga, John Paul Gaultier for his embroidered coats, Diane von Furstenburg, Prada for everything, Anamika Khanna, Anurada Vakil for her creative use of Indian textiles, Rajesh Pratap Singh for his sheath dresses, Manish Arora (who i can’t wear but still admire) and Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla.

At airports I splurge on: Perfumes, creams and DVDs.

Secret of my long healthy hair: I oil massage it regularly and plait it every night. I use Kerastase products.

Fashion icons I admire: Sienna Miller for her style, Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman who look great on the red carpet, Keira Knightley sometimes, Dita von Teese for being so much fun, Beyonce who’s managed to make an unconventional body type seem hot, Shobhaa De for her saris, my sister Rhea Kapoor and my mom. Also Rita Dhody and Karisma Kapoor for looking great in jeans and no make-up.

What I’m wearing a lot: Skinny jeans that make my legs look good, high-waisted and flared jeans by J&Company, and Wolford tights under everything when its cold.
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Favourite Denim Brand: J&Company, Diesel and True Religion, by Victoria Beckham.
What I’d buy next: For my mom, a diamond-encrusted Hermes Birkin; for my sister, a black Kelly and for my dad, an Armani suit and a diamond-encrusted Breguet watch.

Watches I own: Cartier, Breguet and Bvlgari. My dad spoils me rotten.
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(Sonam wearing Cartier Santos Men's Watch, she's often seen wearing this pair)

(Style Must-Haves Source)

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In spot: Lady Gaga
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BECKHAMS for Armani's New Underwear Campaign

David and Victoria Beckham shot together for Armani's Latest Underwear Campaign. You like?
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David Beckham's tattoeed arms doesn't? really entice me. But its good to see the duo shot together, showing their love chemistry in this campaign.
Your verdict?
(b.t.w. this question is not for David's fans)


The new Armani Underwear Campaign unveils at Selfridges, London:

Image Source

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