Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Shoe Guide: Must have shoes for women

Women have a love affair with shoes, and most of them seem to never have enough. A pair of shoes can really make or break an outfit. And the right shoes can certainly make a whole lot of difference on how you carry yourself and your posture. Finding the right pair of shoes to go with your outfit can be really daunting. Here is a list of must have shoes to always keep you sorted in the shoe department.

1. Nude Pumps - Top on the list are the very versatile and stylish nude pumps. Not only they complement almost every coloured outfit, but they also have a very special ability of adding height and are also popularly known as 'leg lengthening shoes'. Get the nude shade closest to your skin complexion.

2. Black Stiletto - A black dressy stiletto is an essential part of every wardrobe. A basic pumps in high or mid-heel is perfect for every occasion - from work to party and complements most outfits. For more dressy, if you already have the basic heels, pick a nice strappy black heels. Slingbacks are often more comfortable while pumps look chic. Pick whatever you're more comfortable with, but a black stiletto is a must-have shoe for every woman (the higher the better). For those who shun from heels a versatile black flats is a must-have that you can transform from day-to-night.

3. Closed-toe basic Black Kittens or comfy formals - A comfortable closed-toe pair of heels or near-to-flats are a must-have for work and other formal occasion. A classic versatile pair would be the best pick as you can wear them to work as well as outside and yet look stylish. Make sure they're comfortable as closed-toe often cause blisters if worn for longer hours and hence a good quality pair is a must. Basic colours like black, grey or beige are best choice for the versatility.

4. A pair of wedges - Sometimes work dictates that you need to look smart, but your feet are begging for a little comfort. Wedges are a good way around this. They tend to be comfortable and easy to walk in, and the height of the heel doesn't matter all that much, which means shorter girls can get away with a five-inch wedge without looking like too dressed for a night out, while taller women can wear a much smaller and probably more comfortable wedge.

5. Metallic Sandals - Certain occasion outfits don't work well with black shoes. For such occasions and outfits you must have a nice pair of metallic heels (high heels if you can carry or medium). Silver, gold, pewter or a silver and gold combi are the perfect choice.

6. Flip Flop - A good pair of flip flops are fashion statement for the all the spring/summer seasons and beachside holidays. They're not only comfortable but can be worn with your jeans, skirts, summer dresses and even trousers. A smart pair is a must, you can wear them at home, for walks or even when going out shopping or for a lunch with your friends. We highly recommend fitflop because not only are they stylish, but also keeps you in shape by burning extra calories when you walk.

7. Pop of colour - Colours bring fun to the wardrobe and one coloured or multicoloured dressy heels are a must have for your shoe wardrobe. They instantly brighten up your look and also are good for a change.

Colourblock your ensemble with a bright paired heels or flats or add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral outfit for instant chic and style. You can never go wrong with colours now. 


8. Sneakers - A smart pair of sneakers is great not only for your workout and walks but is a good choice even while you travel and can be your casual everyday saviour. We love the stylish Adidas by Stella McCartney pairs. Smart Buying Tip: Remember to loosen your wallets amply when buying high heels. It is important to invest in a good quality heels as the cheaper versions look good but are not comfortable enough and can cause feet and back aches. Heels must only be bought from good branded stores like Nine West, Aldo and luxury brands. They last longer and are good for your body.

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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Trend Watch: Colour Block

Spin the colour wheel and pick at radom, as clashing colours are no longer a fashion crime. Colour blocking is the biggest trend for Spring/Summer 2011 and from the like if it, it would be a big thing for autumn as well.

Spring and summer are the best season to show off your your curves and liven your wardrobe with brights and all things colourful. Combine.separates in block colours, save bolder shades for an evening out and play with a dual palette during the day.

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The spring summer 2011 runways were alive with bright mix of hot pink, tangerine, lemon yellow, jungle green and cobalt blue from the likes of big fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prabal Gurung, Diane Von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs. And there was no room for modesty as rarely did one colour stand alone, instead they were blocked together for the maximum impact and summer chic. This colour clashing and blocking is making its way to the high street - so girls ransack your wardrobe to mix the colours for the maximum impact and style this season. .
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Gucci (left) and Fendi (right)
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Prabal Gurung (left) and Louis Vuitton (right)
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Christopher Kane (left) and DKNY (right)
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Ways to Colour Block


Block colours with no patterns mixed together is the best way to wear the trend. So prepare to mix electric blues with sunshine yellow, pillar-box reds with soothing greens and candyfloss pinks with tangerine orange. This season is all about brights so If you’re colour blocking from head to toe, make sure the block colours are as bright as possible. And remember to wear it with confidence and very little makeup!

"Think food. Mix mustard with ketchup, aubergine with mint and spinach with
lemon" says Priyanka Khanna a fashion editor at Vogue.



  • Wear your bright hued dress with acid yellow nails and a neon belt to make sure you shine when walking.

  • Do bold brights with attitude and go glamorous with a touch of gold, as seen at Gucci.

  • Pick traffic-stopping colour block heels to help you cross a busy junction.

  • Layer neon on neon and stay away from neutrals as seen on Christopher Kane SS11.

  • Wear a bright hued orange lipstick to colour clash your dress for a chic look.



If you can't wear the trend with confidence or don't want to go too loud then use accessories to add a pop of colour, as seen on SS11 runway collection of Fendi (See above). Colour blocking shoes, bags and belts can instantly up your style quotient. Our picks: .




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1. Carvella Gallant for £130





6. Karen Millen Graphic Colour Block Clutch Bag for £95 .


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Celebrity Spotting in Colour Block


Camilla Belle and Zoe Saldana look perfect in the colour block trend.




Camilla Belle and Zoe Saldana

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