Archives for July 2016

Secrets of Stylish Women

July 25, 2016 by monmouni Leave a Comment

Between career, family, finding time for ourselves & all of the things, stepping out the door with style every day can seem impossible. But, trust us, there are a few attainable things that fashionable women do to look painlessly put-together. Keep reading for 10 secrets from our Stylists to be your most effortlessly chic yet.

BE A PLANNER

You can’t plan for everything, but don’t let your Monday mornings catch you off-guard. Just like you’d plan a week’s worth of meals on a Sunday if you’re trying to stay trim, plan your outfits in advance for stress-free mornings & outfit-regret-free days.

An easy confidence booster is planning outfits in advance. You’ll take the worry out of what to wear when timing is tight in the morning, and know ahead that you’ll look polished all day.” — Tiffany, Stylist

FOLLOW STYLISH WOMEN

Browse internet trendsetters in your free time. Find a few fashionistas whose style you admire, then use their photos as inspiration to create daily looks. A good place to start? Check out our Instagram & Pinterest boards for endless style inspire.

Seeing other women, I admire try new (or reinvent old) trends gives me that extra push to be adventurous. Fashion should be fun; once I get out of my comfort zone, I feel instantly more stylish!

OVER DRESS FOR THE OCCASION

If you’re ever on the fence about what to wear, consider where you’re going and who you’ll see. When in doubt, always err on the side of being too dressy—it’s a big no-no to be the only person in jeans.

It’s ok to be slightly overdressed—you’ll make an amazing (and respectful!) impression on your host. I’m not talking about a ball gown, but showing up in a dress over jeans is never a bad thing. — Alexandria, Stylist

ROCK RED LIPSTICK

A well-known fashion “it-girl” hack: swipe on a touch of bright, cherry-red lipstick in a tone that best suits your skin. It’s an instant face brightener that screams “I took time for myself”—even if you didn’t.

ALWAYS ACCESSORIZE

Try to have at least one accessory on, whether it’s a statement necklace, a pop-color scarf or an elegant pair of earrings. And remember: sometimes less is more. You don’t need to get crazy at an arm party—minimal can also be memorable.

INVEST IN BASICS THAT FIT

Basics really aren’t basic—they can be the foundation of extremely fashionable (and simple!) choices. Ever wonder why a woman looks great in a white button-up, skinny jeans & heels? It took a minute to think of the look, but it took planning to ensure her pieces fit perfectly.

I didn’t understand the long-term value of perfect basics until I tried on my first pair of designer jeans. If it’s well-made, it’s worth the price since you’ll have it forever & it will never let you down. —Sarah, Stylist

WEAR COLORFUL SHOES

When it comes to footwear, color packs a huge style punch—and they don’t have to be sky-high heels, either (flats can make the same statement & your feet will thank you). Next time you’re in jeans and a tee, throw on cobalt or fuschia flats to make your outfit go from 0 to 100 instantly.

OWN ONE CONVERSATION PIECE

Every once in a while, you need that pure “wow” factor. Whether it’s an amazing pair of over-the-knee boots, a vintage dress that you borrowed from you mom’s closet or an enviable handbag, keep something in your arsenal for the days you need to really show up stylish.

CARRY A FASHION EMERGENCY KIT

The most stylish women are always prepared. Whether it’s a snag, stain or sandal-induced blister, be on your toes with a 911 carryall chock-full of Band-Aids, sewing kit & other essentials to (stylishly) save the day.

SELECT THE RIGHT UNDERGARMENTS

Stylish women know the foundation of a great look is appropriate underwear. Besides, nothing instantly throws off a look like VPL (visible panty lines). Be strategic about what you slip on & why—then do a quick mirror scan in natural light before you leave the house.

In my mind, the perfect outfit can be ruined by an uncomfortable bra. Get a professional bra fitting at your local department store ASAP. And don’t skimp on good-quality underwear—they always make you feel incredible.

YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO WEAR JEANS

July 24, 2016 by monmouni Leave a Comment

Can you imagine a world without jeans? The world would come to a standstill while it decided what to wear! Denim is such a staple in our wardrobe it would be a real loss if we decided when we reach 50 to hang up our jeans. As a denim expert I can honestly say hand on heart you’re never too old to wear jeans.

At your age you should know better? This isn’t necessarily true when it comes to jeans, as it’s easy to get in a denim rut and wear the same pair due to fear of getting it wrong. Jeans have never been so comfortable as a Lycra mix in denim gives that figure fixing stretch and hold that enhances our figures.

Pear /Hourglass

For the pear shape and hourglass body type it is important to give balance to your curves and the best way to do this is with a boot cut or a flare leg jean. Jeans with noticeable stitching on the side seams or with virtual front seam give the illusion of a longer leg. Boot cuts come in all different widths and by trying on different brands you will be able to find the best one for your shape.

Flare leg jeans have come a long way since the 70’s and they are now a hot trend –Fit & Flare. Flared jeans lengthen the leg still balancing out your curves giving a sexy look.

Apple

The apple body type can choose from a straight leg, shoe cut, slight boot cut, boot cut, Flare leg to a medium wide leg.

Long & Leggy

Most leg styles look fantastic on a Long & Leggy but if you feel the skinny look isn’t for you then try a pair of wide leg jeans. The look is classic and timeless as this trend goes through to next summer. A Poker straight leg with a high waist is another classic example of dressing for your shape and age

Petite

Keep the leg style narrow by going for slim, straight and slightly boot cut depending on your petite curves. If you find a pair of jeans that fit like a glove apart from the length, definitely think about having them altered by a good tailor. If they are a skinny or straight leg you won’t loose any of the shape when altered. If wearing heels with your skinny jeans keep the length long as the excess fabric at the ankle gives the illusion of a longer leg. Look for a front seam blasted in to the wash giving a sharp effect which again elongates the leg.

Fuller Figure

The good old boot cut is the most flattering of cuts as this will balance out your curves. Wide legs are great for disguising chunkier thighs if you keep the leg length long and the color dark.

#1: Pear shape

Designed to hold the tummy in and lift the bottom giving a pert derriere these secret jeans have a double button waistband, a high rise and is shaped to lengthen the leg. Available in size 26-34. 33” Leg length 34″, 32″

#2: Apple

This midrise straight leg style perfect for an apple shape. The back pockets are positioned to give a lifting & toning effect. The leg is slim to show off your best assets – slim legs! Sizes: 25-32 34” leg length

#3: Hourglass

The Marrakesh is a high rise, kick flare style with jet front pockets which flatten the tummy area. The flare kicks out at the knee giving balance to a curvaceous figure. A sexy smart tailored jean. size: 24-32 36” leg length.

#4: Fuller Figure

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans are not just any type of regular jeans – the Tummy Tuck range has been specially designed to flatten your tummy and lift your bottom. You’ll even be able to fit into a pair one or two size smaller than usual due to the 4% Lycra stretch. A comfortable boot cut jean that lengthens the leg and flattens the tummy. Size: 8 –20 33” leg length.

#5: Long & Leggy

These jeans are mid-rise with a higher cut at the back, slight stretch and a subtle faded detail on the leg. A great every day jean, size: 24-32 34” leg length.

#6: Petite

The perfect petite everyday Melanie Jean. High rise, slim waist and comfortable hips in a straight leg design. Gorgeous dark denim in color, quality power denim stretch fabric that keeps its shape. Size: 6 to 16, 28″ or 30″ leg length.

I think they all went too far. Their jeans got too low, their tops got too see-through. Personally, I think that sexy is keeping yourself mysterious. I’m really an old-fashioned girl, and I think I’m totally sexy.

TOP DENIM PICK’S FOR HOURGLASS & PEAR SHAPE

July 23, 2016 by monmouni Leave a Comment

This post was inspired by an email from a reader questioning why an hourglass was included in the pear shape category on the ilovejeans.com body shape tool. She felt that her hourglass body shape had nothing to do with a pear shape.

Pear or Hourglass?

Right let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the two body shapes…

Pear (left) :

Your hips are slightly wider than your shoulders with a slim upper body, smaller bust, broadening to a fullness in the hip, bottom & thigh area. A high percentage of women in the UK fall into this body shape. Pears can be all sizes, petite to plus size.

Hourglass (right) :

Your hips & bust are about the same size with your waist being approx 10″ smaller, with a fuller bottom. The interesting factor with an hourglass is that an overweight pear can fall into this body shape ( putting weight on the top half as well on the bottom).

You can see in the body shapes above the top half is the difference in a pear & hourglass. Gok Wan often mentions that clothing manufacturers and dress makers still design to an hourglass mannequin shape. When it comes to dressing the bottom half of a pear or hourglass in jeans, the formula is the same.

What’s the problem?:

Finding a style that fits on the waist and on the hips is the difficulty. Often a pair of jeans in a bigger size is purchased to house the hips & bottom but the waist is too big and gapes at the small of the back. This is a common problem for both pear & hourglass and the only answer to get around the gape is to follow the rules….

5 Curvy Girl Rules To Follow:

#1: Choose a higher rise jean. The rise is the measurement from the top of the waistband down to the bottom of the crotch seam. A higher rise jean sits comfortably below your belly button covering your bottom & hip area.

Find the best rise for you: With your jeans on take a tape measure and measure from the crotch seam up to two fingers below your belly button. This will give you the measurement of the rise that will be comfortable for you. Or if you don’t have a tape measure use a ribbon or a piece of string. Take this shopping with you and use it as a guide when picking out jeans to try on.

#2: Always choose a style with at least 1% Lycra mix in the fabric content (you can check on the label inside the jean). This is important for comfort and for keeping shape. Lycra & Elastane do the same job. I have found jeans with a Cotton, Polyester & Lycra mix keep the best shape.

#3: Choose a wider waistband. Perfect for sitting on the hip & the smallest part of your waist. Often a wider waistband sits higher on the back, so no knickers showing.

#4: Look to balance out your curves. When choosing a leg shape opt for a boot cut, wide leg or kick flare to balance out your curves. If you’re hankering for a skinny style, go for a Straight leg rather than a skinny style but remember keep the rise high!

#5: Do your homework. There are a handful of denim brands & retailers that specifically have styles for ladies with curves. Check them out as they were created for you…

PZI JEANS have just hit my radar and promise to banish the gape at the back of the jean, so many curvy girls suffer, it’s worth taking a peek.

What Not to wear

July 21, 2016 by monmouni Leave a Comment

Readers, dress better! “Trust me, you’re gonna like the way you look.”

Seriously, you’ll be amazed at the boost this gives to your confidence. And the impact it has on the way you’re treated by students and colleagues.

Hair: It is not illegal for an assistant professor to have a trendy haircut. Ditch the ponytail. Reject the pageboy (of any length). Show that you ARE All That. Spend the money on yourself to look good. Find the hottest hair salon in your town, and become a regular. You will be astounded at what a good haircut does for your confidence. If you do nothing else from this post, do this. Don’t know how to find the hottest hair salon? Go to the hottest coffee shop, find the barista with the coolest haircut (male or female, it matters not), and ask them where they got it.

Skin and Makeup: I like makeup. Not everyone does. It’s optional, of course. If you go for it, and I think you should, let’s lean away from Wet N’ Wild and more toward L’Oreal and Revlon. No need to go into the overpriced department store brands at this stage in your career. I like Revlon Colorstay because I put it on in the morning and don’t have to think about it again. I recently discovered that lip stain makes a killer all-day blush.

Even if you don’t wear makeup, take care of your skin. It’s your largest organ! It deserves care! Use a toner and moisturizer. They feel good and make a difference.Do the occasional clay mask. Cheap ones are fine. I like organics, myself.

Jewelry: Wear conservative jewelry to job talks. You may wear conspicuous jewelry at large conferences. In your daily life in the department, aim for the middle. Beware of jangling bracelets.

Tops: Take out your tops and look at them them. Are they stained? Get them cleaned or throw them out. Are they ripped? Fix them or throw them out. We notice. Your students notice. Please.

Iron your shirts. I know there’s no time. But iron your shirts.

***Be Aware: Jackets are hard to fit!. The best and most expensive jacket will not do its magic if it doesn’t fit YOUR body. And a badly fitting jacket will look the opposite of good. Jacket shopping can be grueling, like swimsuits. Put in the time. It’s worth it. The time you spend in the stores you’ll more than save in the mornings when you’re rushing out the door for the 8 AM class.

Bottoms: Pants or skirt? The perennial question. I don’t think it matters. You must be comfortable. Just leave behind the trailing earth mother skirts you wore in graduate school. You are a young professional. You have to look like one. Old-timers bewail the homogenization of the assistant professoriate, in their sea of dull grey suits. Nevertheless, own a grey suit. Just make it really, really stylish grey suit. And wear it with killer shoes.

Shoes: For the job interview, wear a heel between 1 and 3 inches. I don’t recommend flats because, frankly, you need the height. Above 3 inches, and you’re tottering. I wear this kind of heel every day, but that’s me. I like heels. Avoid stilettos and kitten heels–they stick in sidewalk cracks and trip you. The round or square toe and a stacked heel keeps you safe from falling over as you approach the podium. Beyond these rules, express yourself. Have the hippest shoes that you can pull off. They give you mystique. They say, “I’m brilliant AND I’m cool suckaz.” You want your students to be a little bit intimidated, and your colleagues to feel a little bit inadequate.

Why do all this? Because image matters. And because you’ll feel better. And when you feel better, you perform better. Don’t believe me? Try it out for a month, and find out for yourself.

Dress For Occasion

July 20, 2016 by monmouni Leave a Comment

With so many different dress codes out there, it can be difficult to know what to wear, even when the type of dress requested is stated on the invitation.

Laura Hunt, an image, fashion, and beauty consultant at Freeway Fashion, says you should always ask what to wear if you’re invited to an event with an unfamiliar dress code.

“Depending on how well you know the person who sent the invitation, you can place a call to them directly,” Hunt says. “If not, there is usually a contact person listed on the invite, including a contact number. If you are not comfortable placing a phone call, you can send an email.”

Hunt and Tannya Bernadette, a wardrobe stylist and 2009 Fashion Marketing graduate from The Art Institute of Seattle, decode what to wear for the following dress codes.

SMART CASUAL

Women: Wear a pencil skirt or dress pants, paired with a silk or button-down top and high heels.

Men: Opt for dressy trousers, paired with a collared shirt and loafers.

When to wear it: office parties, happy hours, business luncheons.

DRESSY CASUAL

Women: Avoid wearing denim, tennis shoes, and cotton tees. Instead, opt for silk pants, dress pants, or a skirt. Pair with a patent leather flat, or one with nice embellishments such as a bow, buckle, or a print.

Men: Wear trousers and a dress shirt with a leather loafer, oxfords, or a slip-on shoe. Pair with a blazer or sport coat. Avoid showing up with wrinkles or clothes one size too big, too small, or in a non-coordinating color. A tie is optional.

When to wear it: church, dinner, or an invite received via phone or e-mail.

COUNTRY CLUB CASUAL

Women: Choose an open-necked or polo shirt. You can also opt for dresses and skirts with minimal accessories.

Men: Wear an open-necked or polo shirt, paired with khakis. Accessorize with leather shoes and a belt.

When to wear it: cruise lines, the country club, friend’s home for dinner, nice restaurant.

BUSINESS CASUAL

Women: Put on a skirt, khakis, or dress pants paired with long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve tops. A casual dress and flats are options as well.

Men: Wear a button-down or a polo shirt, paired with khakis, or dress pants. If you so desire, layer with a v-neck sweater, a blazer, or a sport coat. A tie is optional.

When to wear it: company party, daily work attire, business lunch meetings.

COCKTAIL ATTIRE

Women: Wear a shorter dress with some frill. The classic little black dress makes for great cocktail attire, and is the easiest to show your personality by accessorizing to suit your mood.

Men: Wear a dark suit, coat, and tie. Opting for dark jeans paired with a jacket and tie is also acceptable at some cocktail events, depending on how casual the atmosphere is.

When to wear it: adult birthday parties, evening social events.

LOUNGE

Women: Wear a dress that would be appropriate for brunch or afternoon tea. It should fall to, or slightly above, the knee, and not be too sparkly or low-cut. Incorporate a jacket or shawl to cover the arms.

Men: Opt for a dark suit, paired with a French-cuffed, crisp white shirt. You can go with or without a tie. Opting for a vest instead of a tie adds to the informality of the look.

When to wear it: daytime engagement parties, business breakfasts, afternoon tea.

WHITE TIE

Women: A floor-length ball gown is a must. Accessorize with opera length gloves, glamorous jewels, and up-do hairstyles.

Men: Wear a short or waist length black tailcoat (tails should reach the back of your knees,) white bow tie, starched white shirt, and a cummerbund (optional). Sport high-quality black pants.

When to wear it: charity fundraisers, government ceremonies, weddings, the opera.

BLACK TIE

Women: Gussy up in a floor-length ball gown. A very dressy cocktail dress may be acceptable depending on the venue of the event.

Men: Wear a dark suit or a tuxedo without tails. Pair with a white shirt and a tie, or a bow tie with or without a vest and a cummerbund.

When to wear it: charity fundraisers, political dinner parties, weddings.

CREATIVE BLACK TIE

Women: Dress up in a long gown, cocktail dress, or snazzy separates. Accessorize with the latest trends, such as feathers, sequins, sheer fabrics, and capes. Show off your personality with every detail.

Men: Incorporate trendy prints in with your tie and a dressy shirt. Mix fabrics such as a silk blazer and a dress shirt to create a formal, yet interesting, look.

When to wear it: galas, silent auctions, weddings, and formal dinners that have a fun atmosphere.

WARM WEATHER

Women: Wear a long gown with white gloves and minimal jewelry.

Men: Wear a white dinner jacket, in a worsted wool, gabardine, linen, or cotton fabric material. Pair this with a white dress shirt, bow tie, a cummerbund, and nice black leather shoes.

When to wear it: formal events that are held outdoors, such as a cruise line or country club dinners, weddings, and galas.

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

Women: Look glamorous in a long gown, cocktail dress, or luxurious separates. Accessorize with items such as long gloves, clutches, and jewelry to top off the whole look.

Men: If you own a tuxedo, put it on. If not, wear a suit in a dark color such as charcoal or black, paired with a white dress shirt, and a solid colored tie. Make sure patterns are kept to a minimum and shoes are shined. Accessorize your look with a pocket square and cuff links.

Be Stylish

July 18, 2016 by monmouni Leave a Comment

“My closet is full of clothes but I have nothing to wear!”

Sound familiar? I am a huge suspect for this. The night before is spent studying till late and the last thing in mind is what to wear to uni the next day. The time comes to get changed and there is a fast approaching freak-out on clothing for that day. Here are 5 handy hints about uni-style apparel that works well for all USQ students.

Your uni wardrobe doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

If you are wanting to add to your already overflowing wardrobe, but feel the $$$ won’t allow for it, head down to your local op shop. I’m yet to do so myself, but many of my friends pick up goodies for next to nothing and strongly recommend it!

It’s nearly winter; comfort dominates style.

With winter just under a week away, it’s time to pull out the comfy attire in exchange for shorts and singlets, that will no longer suffice the cooler weather. For us girls, waving goodbye to pretty dresses to avoid disturbed concentration from shivering away in a class, is probably one of our biggest fashion dilemmas. I admire those who are completely opposite to me – brave and don’t feel the cold! (Sometimes I believe I was a frog in another life). Comfort becomes my number one priority; however it doesn’t have to be completely daggy. Another advantage to this is that there’s no need to change into “house clothes” to get comfy when you get home from uni and need to study! Here are type of items I go for (no one at uni has laughed at me yet!)

Warm and cozy jumpers

Girls and guys, whether it be a hoodie, jumper or sweater, this is a winter must-have. My favourite at the moment is the knit look because it doesn’t just look comfy, it IS comfy!

Dressy t-shirts

Sometimes a jumper is too heavy for the classroom and a nice t-shirt is able to alleviate this. And again, we have comfort!

Denim

One of my beloved winter items is a pair or two of good old jeans. I usually have at least a blue and a black pair in my wardrobe. I find they are the perfect match for any top and are handy to have on those mornings when your uni outfit is a last minute decision!

Dresses and leggings/stockings

We love our dresses and it’s such a pity to have to store them away in winter. Depending on the dress itself, sometimes a pair of leggings or stockings can solve this problem. I have also seen many girls in pretty knit dresses and leggings which really pulls off the comfortable winter look.

A cover-up coat, cardigan or jacket

My closet currently consists of a few different types: leather, cotton/poly-cotton and a long trench coat. These are great when you want to wear a summer top yet need a little extra warmth. One of these is always packed in my uni bag in winter!

Uni goers are adventurous shoe wearers.

There’s one thing that has stood out to me when considering Toowoomba campus students’ fashion and that is the diversity of footwear. This ranges from Havaianas, to sandals, to ballet flats, to sneakers, and then to a more wintery boot. Perhaps it’s safe to say that there almost isn’t a uni-style as far as shoes go, although it’s probably preferred that they are in one piece and of reasonable standard!

Don’t be afraid to accessories.

After putting on jeans and a plain shirt, sometimes you may feel as though your outfit needs an extra element. A scarf may be all it takes to fix this problem and it helps keep warm in winter, a win-win situation really. For the girls, a long necklace or chunky bracelet is also seen as a common accessory around campus. All of us also like a pair of sunnies when walking to and from classes, and these are a great addition to any uni outfit!

Dress to suit you.

All of the above are just suggestions and aren’t exactly the “uni dress code”. Dress accordingly to your interests, as long as you look like a respectable member of the USQ community and your clothing choice isn’t completely outrageous. After all, it’s all about comfort! Life would be boring if we were all the same!

I’d love to hear about everyone’s uni attire. Perhaps I could add some of your suggestions to my uni wardrobe wishlist!

Increase Height Naturally

July 17, 2016 by monmouni Leave a Comment

Having a tall and shapely figure definitely has its perks. It not only makes you look great in your outfits but also gives a boost to your confidence. But for some people, growth hormones don’t seem to be working quite effectively while others seem to have a sudden growth spurt. To tell the truth, the height of a person is determined by his or her genetics, and it is believed that a person stops growing after reaching the age of 18 years. But there are various other factors that influence growth and a person can still grow a few inches taller even after puberty by following a healthy lifestyle and incorporating healthy foods and stretching exercises in their daily routine. Eating fruits and vegetables to lose weight is well known, but fruits and vegetables can also help in increasing height.

Eggs

The list of foods to increase height is incomplete without the inclusion of eggs in it. Eggs are a cheap and easily available source of high-quality protein that is essential for optimum growth. Eggs are a powerful source of vitamin D, calcium, and Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin, all of which helps in developing strong bones and a healthy body.eggs to increase heightIf you don’t want to load up on the fats then you can simply eat the white albumin, which is 100% protein. It is recommended to consume 3 to 6 egg whites on a daily basis.

Chicken

If you are trying to increase your height after the age of 25 then chicken is one of the best food options in this case. Chicken is one of the best natural sources of protein available which helps build tissues and muscles. A person trying to increase height must consume at least 50 grams of chicken every day in order to load up on high-quality proteins.

Soy Bean

Soybean is yet another nutritious food that provides a boost to your height when consumed on a daily basis. Soybean is a rich source of proteins, folate, vitamins, fiber and carbohydrates which makes it a complete food for improving overall health. The protein present in soybean also improves bone and tissue mass and density which is necessary for increasing height.Soy Products

One should try to consume 50 to 55 grams of soybean every day. You can include baked or boiled soy beans in your salads, rice, and other recipes. You can also consume other soy products like soy milk and tofu.

Banana

Bananas are often ignored by weight watchers and health conscious people because this fruit is widely associated with weight gain. But in reality, there are numerous health benefits of bananas. The banana hair mask recipe is extremely popular for hair conditioning and it is also an amazing fruit for increasing height. Being a rich source of minerals like potassium, manganese and calcium and healthy probiotic bacteria, bananas help in boosting height in various ways. Bananas for height The potassium present in bananas protects the bones and teeth from weakening, and it also neutralizes the harmful impact of sodium on bones. It also helps retain the concentration of calcium in bones. Manganese found in bananas improves bone health and metabolism, and the probiotic bacteria absorbs calcium from foods, thereby promoting healthy bones. The calcium in bananas prevents the thinning of bones and helps develop stronger bones.

Oatmeal

Just like soybean, oatmeal is an amazing vegetarian source of protein which is extremely important for increasing height and boosting muscle mass. Protein rich foods such as oatmeal help in repairing bones and tissues, and also promote the creation of new tissues.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds not only make mouth-watering snacks; they also help in increasing height effectively. Nuts like peanuts, almonds and seeds like pumpkin seeds, flax seeds contain essential minerals for the body, healthy fats and amino acids which help in repairing the body tissues and promote the building of new tissues.

Fish

What better way to give a boost to your height than with delicious fish recipes? Fishes like salmon, tuna, sardine are a rich source of proteins and vitamin D, both of which are required for height growth. Vitamin D rich foods such as fish promote the absorption of calcium from other food sources which is necessary for growth and development of bones and increasing bone density.

So, follow a healthy diet chart and include these useful stretching and yoga exercises in your daily routine to increase your height naturally.

POPULAR FABRICS FOR INDIAN WEAR

July 14, 2016 by monmouni Leave a Comment

We Indians love our colors and our clothes. We love dressing up like no one else and god knows how many distinct fabrics are indigenous to our culturally rich country. However, there are few basic fabrics that are used commonly across all states and for all types of clothing- Indian or western. And we all use them amply in our wardrobes- Cotton, Silk, Crepes, Georgettes, chiffons, jute etc.

Be it sarees or suits, dresses or pants, Our fabric choices are as vivid as our culture and our colors. The choice of fabric depends on the OCCASION AND UTILITY. Here is a quick guide to all the basic fabrics that we use in our everyday and not so every day-

COTTON

Of course, this fabric reigns supreme all through summers for everyone. Its light, breathy, cool and easy to wear. Most cuts and styles can be tried with cotton fabric and it is blended with other fabrics to produce better and more versatile fabrics such as Chanderi, twill, voile, plaids and more!

Cotton clothes and its blends are the most common fabric favored by everyone across the world. Cotton suits are very popular in India owing to long summer months and the versatility of the fabric. From casual to formal, cotton clothing are a must have for every one!

SILK

Merely mentioning silk causes the mind to think luxury. Silk fabric feels luxurious and is considered special. Silk drapes beautifully which is why many clothing items lend them self to being made from this special fabric. It looks superb when used for making sarees and lehngas. Silk clothes are very common during festive and wedding seasons as they instantly bring a very formal look to any silhouette. Always store your silk in a cool dry and dark place so the sun and moisture does not effect it.

GEORGETTE

Pure georgette is woven out of silk while faux georgette is created with a combination of nylon and polyester. It is a favorite fabric for women because it has a graceful, soft and delicate appearance. Georgette is a light-weight, crinkled and sheer fabric, displaying an overall bouncy look…

If what you seek is clingy and flowing, then Georgette is your best friend. With its crepe-like texture and its unusual strength when compared to its counterparts, Georgette is widely favored for springy and lively gowns and dresses. The tendency of the fabric to drape very well makes it an apt choice for many women who love the soft silky yet comfortable look.

CHIFFON

The name “Chiffon” comes from an Old French word for rag. Chiffon is a textile made from silk, cotton, nylon, polyester, or rayon. It tends to be sheer, with a faint shimmer and a simple weave. This fabric is generally used in evening and formal wear, since it drapes well and can add a floaty look to gowns and dresses. It is also notoriously difficult to work with, because of its slippery texture. Most fabric stores carry several forms in varying colors and prints. Silk chiffon is the most prized, since it has a rich shimmer and slick texture. Chiffon is a dreamy fabric used to create flowy anarkali gheras and light sarees.

VELVET

Velvet like silk is one of the ostentatious fabrics which is elegant and has always been associated with royalty. It feels soft on the skin, shiny yet not too bright and its rich look has dazzled royalties all over the world. Velvet was once worn only by the rich as it was very expensive but now it has become a common fabric that is very delicately used with other fabrics to create scintillating outfits. Velvet yokes with other flowy fabrics and velvet blouses are a winter staple for sure.

All types of velvet can be effectively dyed with deep colors and are most popular in dark shades that highlight the rich pile of the fabric. Silk/rayon blend velvet is most often used for flowing dresses and evening wear which emphasize its soft drape.

All these supreme fabrics are crafted carefully at Peach mode to bring you some of the most stunning Indian wear. Shop today and indulge yourself in their feel and vivacity.

New Kurti Styles for Women

July 13, 2016 by monmouni Leave a Comment

Kurtis make a quiet departure from the usual knee-length hem, three-fourth sleeve pattern. They have transformed into versatile trendy clothing options while retaining their ethnic beauty.

For years now, kurtis have been unceremoniously dumped into the category of ‘traditional’ Indian clothing. Often cut as a piece of upper clothing so sedate that it bordered on boring, the kurti has only now managed to reinvent itself as a versatile Indian style that looks great even when fused with Western wear.

This year’s fashion weeks in India had a fair smattering of new kurti styles. Designers have deliberately been experimenting with the kurti hem and sleeve length, not to mention fabrics and cuts. So if you’re looking for the usual kurti silhouette (as favoured by your older neighbourhood aunty) you might just be disappointed. The kurti is now bolder, sassier and totally awesome – and it still retains its Indian roots.

You can pick a style and pattern that favours your sartorial sense and body type. The good news is, you’ll always find a kurti that ticks all the right boxes in your fashion book. Without further ado, these are five new kurti styles that are rocking the style charts this season:

Empire cuts and yokes

The classic slim kurti reinvents itself in an empire cut avatar. This type goes well with slim waists and accentuates the bosom in the most flattering way. The kurti may sport short or three-fourth length sleeves. Look for variations on the neckline if you don’t like V-necks – opt for round or square to complement the fit of this excellent style.

Style tip: Pair it with Lycra leggings, a pair of mojris and dangling earrings.

Shirt style with a collar:

Who would have thought that the kurti could actually double up as a shirt and be worn to work? If you hadn’t thought of this before, you can safely think it now. This eye-catching shirt-style kurti combines a business-like collar with front buttons and slim sleeves. The best part is, you can totally rock this kurti in both office and party situations. Wear it with a pair of skinny cotton trousers or Lycra leggings.

Style tip: Make this kurti really stand out with a woollen or georgette stole in a darker hue wrapped around your neck. A slim watch on your wrist and a black pair of pumps will give this kurta a corporate edge.

Shirt style asymmetric:

This is another variation of the shirt-style kurta, but is more suited to a Western fashion ethos. It is shorter, with an asymmetric hem (asymmetrical hems are a big draw this season in dresses as well) and features a front button down style. You can wear it with both jeans and slim cotton trousers, and it is suitable for both casual and office wear.

Style tip: Wear the sleeves really short – fold them to above your elbows and wear a chunky watch or bracelet on your wrist. For an even edgier look, tie a string of rudraksha beads on your wrist and sport a long chain around your neck with a bold wooden pendant.

Layered and asymmetric:

This is a new trend in kurtis. The clothing is often layered (sometimes there may be three overlapping layers!), each with a design motif or functionality of its own. Try a flared kurti in a layered style and an asymmetric hem. The beauty of this kurti is that it lends itself well to a variety of textures and prints owing to its layered pattern. Take care to see that the prints and colours do not clash. A general rule of thumb when wearing this kurti is to wear it not too tight around the waist.

Style tip: Pair this kurti with Lycra leggings, a pair of Kolhapuri chappals and a jhola.

Sleeveless:

We are fans of the sleeveless kurti, and with good reason. It is elegant and sophisticated, especially in fabrics like silk and georgette. It also complements tall, thin women who may be conscious of both their height and their frame. What’s more, a long sleeveless kurti in cotton or georgette and with pretty neck detailing can even be worn as a dress with a belt cinching the waist.

Style tip: If you have a small waist, wear a sleeveless chiffon or georgette kurti over a pair of Lycra leggings and strap on a thin leather belt on your waist.

There you go – five new kurti styles for you to rock this season. And remember, your kurti is a versatile being, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.

Indian fashion blogs

July 12, 2016 by monmouni Leave a Comment

Every fashion addict has a favored lineup of bloggers she turns to for their unique perspective on fashion, an insider looks into their local style scene, and the latest news and trends. Whether it’s The Blonde Salad in Milan or The Man Repelled in New York, these ladies have developed a cult following around the world. For something a bit closer to home, Vogue takes a look at all the talent brewing locally. Here are the bloggers you need to follow:

This petite Goa-based blogger isn’t one for soft, pretty imagery. She may be shooting against expansive beaches, blue skies and lush greens but her images carry an unexpected haunting quality, full of depth and dark overtones. She’s collaborated with a host of brands, from L’Oreal and Nike to Tommy Hilfiger and Quirk Box. Turn to her blog for beautifully shot photographs infused with a sense of quiet sophistication and retro charm.

This brand consultant/content strategist/blogger uses Republic of Chic as a platform to share with her followers her personal style (sexy, sleek, sophisticated), seasonal trends, beauty tips, Bangalore’s local fashion, and collaborations with brands like Swarovski and Karishma Shahani Khan.

Head to Akanksha Redhu’s blog for a daily dose of fashion, with a bonus of beauty. Her posts include her personal interpretation of the season’s biggest fashion trends (stripes, florals, double denim), coverage of Delhi fashion weeks and other local events, her favourite beauty picks, and new products/labels she’s loving.

This blog brings together Ritu Arya’s two passions—music and fashion. Also the co-founder of Drum and Bass India, Arya regularly posts images documenting her hipster grunge style (think beanie caps, plaid shirts and lace-up ankle boots) and shares playlists of the music she’s currently obsessing over.

For a series of cool posts, head to Love and Other Bugs, founded by two friends bound by a serious love for fashion. Shot on the streets, beaches and hidden corners of Bombay, their images are dramatic, visually compelling and—since there are two of them—highlight two distinct styles and takes on the season’s trends.

Style Fiesta has two faces–one is the blog and one is the blogger-turned-entrepreneur Masoom Minawala’s high street fashion and accessories label. On her blog, she explores the latest trends, posts fashion and style-related stories, such as a roundup of the e-commerce sites that deliver to India, and shares images of her collaborations with brands like GAS.

Archives for July 2016

Secrets of Stylish Women

Like this:

YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO WEAR JEANS

Like this:

TOP DENIM PICK’S FOR HOURGLASS & PEAR SHAPE

Like this:

What Not to wear

Like this:

Dress For Occasion

Like this:

Be Stylish

Like this:

Increase Height Naturally

Like this:

POPULAR FABRICS FOR INDIAN WEAR

Like this:

New Kurti Styles for Women

Like this:

Indian fashion blogs

Like this:

Skip links

Archives for July 2016

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: