Did You Know?

Last week I was suffering from an insane ear infection. And at the peak of my pain I get this amazingly fab invite asking me to attend the launch of a denim brand’s spring-summer men's wear collection. Now on any give day I would have avoided a men’s wear launch on such a painful day, but ear ache or not, when the denim brand is dENiZEN and the invite is from non other than hottie actor Imran Khan {Bollywood actor} the brand’s ambassador as well as designer of the new collection, wild horses could not stop me from attending this event.

Before I share some Imran anecdotes, let’s talk about the collection he has put so much effort to design and create.

*The theme of dENiZEN Spring-Summer 2012 line is “Modern Crafted”. It combines a contemporary and modern look that is easy to wear and consist of casual wardrobe essentials.

*They have used Japanese Selvedge fabric, which is considered as the world’s highest quality denim. Clearly, there has been no compromise on quality.

*The colour palatte of the collection is classic red, navy, natural white and grey heather

*Since it is a Spring-Summer collection, the pieces are more on the casual side. Tee shirts and chambray shirts along with classic blue jeans and canvas shoes.

The Imran Touch.

*Know as ‘Imikipedia’{Imran +Wikipedia} by his friends. The tee’s have Imran’s fave catchphrase “Did You Know” printed on them.

*Red is Imran’s fave colour. The entire collection has red accents in them. There is a special Imran Red Rivet on the coin pocket; the last button of all the shirts is red (which looks super cool BTW), along with red overlocks on the busted side seams and red zipper tape in front.

*Raw canvas has been used for the back label. Imran said the old canvas shoes severed as an inspiration and was added to this collection on Imran’s advice.

*Imran loves to have an authentic and natural feel, so a special vintage wash is given to the tees to give them a buttery feel.

*Each piece under this collection had Imran’s signature on it. It does not get more personal than this!

During the Q&A section, we asked Imran to give us his styling suggestion, and he very smartly added the chambray shirt to the host's ensemble. Nothing looks hotter than a woman in a man's clothes!

This event was special on many reasons; firstly I got to meet Imran. He’s not just eye candy, the man’s got some major grey matter too. Plus, he likes to dress up. He loves to wear ties and change his shoes according to the occasion. Yeah go figure!{But, he is not an accessories person}. 

Beauty, brains and a sense of style *Sigh* God, we need more men like these. ASAP, please!

He was wonderful to interact with, very easy-going and no starry attitude, answered our question well and posed with us for photos. It’s very obvious from his answers that Imran has actually put efforts and contributed to the collection more than just his name and face. He has done his share of research and added his personal touches to create a fresh and trendy spring-summer collection. Must say, Imran turned out to be a complete gentleman in jeans!!!

[That's me with the new designer]
The other amazing thing was meeting with fellow bloggers and getting to interact with them. It was great time chit-chatting with Ila, Rachana & Diana, Gargi, Ritcha and Bhavna. Do check out the blogs of these lovely ladies.

FYI :Imran and the team of dENiZEN are working on a women's wear collection, which should hopefully be launched around fall-winter. Can't wait!

This was an extremely very well organized event. The entire team did a stellar job and all in all it was a brilliant launch for dapper new product.

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!

Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Bloglovin', Subscribe
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

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From Runway To Real Way.

While most fashion bloggers have other day jobs, my day job is
fashion too! I have studied it, work in it, and pretty much know the
nitty-gritty of the business. And, like every professional, I too, constantly
get bombarded with question regarding my profession: “Why is high
fashion so unwearable?” “I wonder if people actually buy that?” “How
come it look so good on celebrities and not me?” And my all time
fave: “Do normal people really wear something
like that?”

 The truth is, couture and high fashion is often eccentric and over-the-top
but it is not always unwearable.
 Here are some easy–breezy tips that will help
you  transform runway trends into real way looks and make them into your individual style
statement.

[Images Via: 1,2,3]

I.Deconstruct The Look.
While most {non-fashion} people look at a style/trend-runway or editorial- as a whole, fashion denizens-editors, stylists, buyers, merchandizers- deconstruct the entire look. You’re wondering what is ‘deconstruct’? In simple language, deconstruct is basically breaking down a piece of art-books, movies, poems, paintings- into smaller parts and understanding how that thing was created. Rather than seeing the object as whole, it  focus on smaller, individual elements. What appears as far-fetched and unwearable by many, when broken down into smaller parts-colour, print, texture, silhouette, accessories, era- becomes unique and trendy in the eyes of the fashion illuminate.

II.Interpret It Your Way.

Your individual understanding and interpretation of things plays a
significant role in everyday life. That is why even in the 21’st century people
discover new aspects of Shakespeare’s plays and Freudian philosophy.

For example the 90’s high-school rom-com ‘10 Things I Hate About
You’ was inspired by Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. But instead of
staying true to the original time frame, location and character names {16
century Italy}, the director’s choice of the location, time frame and names
{20th century America} was apt to appeal to a modern and younger audience.

Similarly, in fashion, an individual’s interpretation of a trend is
of paramount importance.

Lets take the neon trend. Everyone loves it but a lot of people
find its boldness very over-whelming. I too love this trend. And since I don’t
wish to wear it in all its bright glory, I opted to interpret this trend the
best way it would suit me.

[Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,]

Instead of doing a head-to-toe neon, I prefer to add a neutral
colour to balance my outfit. Personally, I love the combo of white and neon. It
looks amazing with western as well as Indian wear. This way, I get to wear the
trend and not be too self-conscious about it.

III.Make It Work For YOU!

The final step is also the most crucial one. How you interpret the
trend and then style your outfit can actually make or break a look.

It’s like our board exams. We all study the same stuff and give
the same paper, but some will score better than the others. The reasons varies
from whether you liked the subject or not, your understanding of a tricky
question and how well you could perform in the given time. A combination of all
this plays a significant role in the end result.
 In fashion too, certain key
items and trends are common to all, but the way we relate to a trend and style
it makes all the difference.

[More
information on these pieces here]

{Look I: A-line silhouette mini
dress is apt for someone with a petite, delicate frame.

Look II would ideally work well with a pear shape body
type. Depending on your personal preference,
the length of the skirt can be adjusted. For those who dont
like sleeveless, you can always add a jacket
or shrug to compliment your look.

Look III is plus size chic. Pair a well-fitted tunic/kurti with
ivory/cream jeans. This way you break the all-white monotony and still manage
to get the desired white-ish look.

Accordingly, women of all shapes and sizes get to wear the same style in a look
favorable to their body type}

Ever so often, I get a comment from readers asking me to style
looks more wearable by plus size woman. The truth is every look and trend works
on anyone and any body type as long as it is styled correctly.

Since I don’t do style post, I create collages. These collages
mainly function as visual aid and style guides. In all honesty, most of the
clothes in then are unaffordable, but the idea is to find similar pieces within
your budget as well as according to your body type.

Someone who has struggled her entire adult life with body issues,
I can understand the reservation people have to trying-out certain styles.
Here’s the trick-you can always trade one piece of garment for another. Not a
skirt person, swap them for a pair of pants in the same colour, or add a shrug
if you’re uncomfortable in sleeveless. To hot to wear a scarf, wear a necklace
instead. Or if a silhouette is not for you’re body structure, then just work with the
suggested colour palette and accessory picks. All you need to do is keep your personal preferences and body type in mind and you too can achieve aesthetically stylish results.

Always remember, fashion is for women {and men} of ALL sizes, shapes, ages and social strata, and not just a privilege of the thin, the young, the rich and famous.

How do you interpret a trend? And what are you self-styling tips?
Share your views  with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

 Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @a_fashionopolis
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

{P.S.If you have any query regarding a particular trend or
look create by me or if you need styling suggestions fell free drop
me a line.}

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Summer State Of Mind!

I love summers. Ideally, I like to say I love spring, but we in Bombay don't experience spring. So between a 5 day winter and horrid four months of monsoons, I am one of the few who actually enjoys the heat. Don't get me wrong, the warm weather gets to me too, but I any day prefer it to the rains. While most of the world is just getting ready for summer, for us out here, more that half the season is almost over. So before I bid adieu to my fave season, here's a round up of some of my fave summer style and trends- all under $100.00 {approximately INR 5,490} 

[FOREVER 21 Bangles,1928 JEWELRY Necklace, NARS Nail Polish, CLINIQUE Lip Gloss, MANGO Sunglasses, MANGO Lace Dress, VICTORIA'S SECRET Body Lotion, CLINIQUE Sun Block, ZARA Clutch, DOROTHY PERKINS Tee, MISS SELFRIDGE Floppy Hat, TOPSHOP Neon Sandals, NINE WEST Floral Wedges, NINE WEST Straw Tote, DOROTHY PERKINS Headband, TOPSHOP Ombre Shorts]

Well, for me summer is all about taking mini-breaks to costal beach towns or a near by hill-station, attending tons of social events and catching up with friends and family who are in visiting the city.
Mixing on trend styles with classic summer fashion, here are some of my all time fave summer looks.

[More information on these pieces here]

What fun thing did you do this summer? And what is your ideal summer dress code? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!

Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Bloglovin', Subscribe
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

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Street Style Inspiration: Floral Jeans

Personally, I feel there are a somethings that are awesome by themselves. But when they get paired with another remarkable entity the end result could be anything from brilliant to bonkers.
That's exactly how felt about the floral jeans trend. I love jeans, I love florals but will these two work together?
So, before I decided to buy or suggest a pair to anyone, I needed to be 100% convinced about this trend myself. Is this trend just for the runways and red carpets and will they look as good on me and you as they look in an editorial spread?

Lucky for us, since the invasion of social media, we are now getting inspired by a whole new breed of fashion icons. Everyday girls like you and me are taking high fashion and giving it a whole new wearable look. And honestly, not until I saw a few of my fave fashion bloggers wear this trend was I convinced that floral jeans is a real-way trend too.

[Image Via: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11]
While selecting floral {or printed} jeans for the first time, keep in mind:

1.Choose Correctly: First off, you need to pick a floral print in a style and colour you are most comfortable in, as well as one that suits your body type and structure.

 If you’re not a print person; and want to try this trend, then start with small floral motif instead of big cabbage roses or colourful tropical flowers. If print is your thing, then there are a variety of floral patterns to play and experiment with.

2.Must Fit Perfectly: The same rule of picking a pair of good, well-fitted jeans apply here too. They must fit very well on your waist, hips, butt, and crotch. No bulging, sagging, hanging, please. Remember, an ill fitted floral {or printed} jeans will not only look bad, but also attract unwanted attention on places you don’t want to flaunt. The fit is of paramount importance.

3.Balance is Key: Lets face it, this trend is not for those who are print shy, and if not styled correctly one may end up looking like grandma’s bedroom! But, don't let it's novelty and statement making quality scare you off from trying it out.

Thanks to our fave fashion bloggers, we’ve learnt different ways to style this trend. Since floral jeans are a statement piece, the outfit should be built around it. From print-mixing floral with stripes to pairing then with solid colours and adding statement jewellery, floral jeans can easily be mixed with key-items and current pieces from wardrobe.

The beauty of floral jeans is that it is an any-time-of-the-day friendly item. Be it family brunch or shopping trip with the girls or dinner date, floral jeans can work its way through different social occasions. With unlimited styling options, here are some of my suggestions to styling summer’s blossoming trend.

[More information on these pieces here.]

Well then ladies, are you ready to adorn your legs with some trendy floral bouquets? And how would you like to style it? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!

 Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

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PIN-spiration!

Hi, my name is Amena and I am an addict. A Pin-addict. And in all honestly, I don’t see any reason why I should let go of this addiction! 

For those who don’t know what Pinterest is (really?) -it is a virtual pin board. Where you can pin pictures and now videos of your liking. For may of us, Pinterest has become a virtual go-to friend. It’s a great place to discover as well all learn new things; plus it functions as a great source of inspiration. Most people who join it instantly become addicted to it.
All-in-all it's fun, creative and a great source of traffic building for your blog {but, I have not yet benefitted from this aspect} and over-all not a bad addiction to have.

What I learnt from Pinterest.

I have always turned to the internet to teach me new stuff. Circa 2010 I learnt how to do smokey eye make-up and a French braid courtesy of YouTube.
Now, thanks to Pinterest, I have learnt how to do some trendy nail art and a chic hairstyles. Plus, my mom is totally using it to discover new recipes. A lot of new creative ideas can be picked up from Pinterest.
Pinterest is one of the best places online to learn as well as share creative ideas from across genres- fashion, beauty, cooking, arts and crafts, ect.


How has Pinterest helped me?
Other than learning new things and discovering people -I discovered Taylor Tomasi Hill and her awesome sense of style from Pinterest- places and cultures, Pinterest also helped me by providing ideas for some of my blog post.
While randomly pinning away, an idea comes to me and that eventually become a full fledged article. My post on coloured jeans trend was totally inspired by one of my pins.
It is also one of the best platform to showcase your personal talent. Be it personal style, art work, DIY, ect. Plus, it has proved to be a great marketing tool. From designers to TV shows everyone is using it to promote their product.
Finally, there is a feel good factor attached to it. Every time your pin gets repined, or liked or someone leaves a lovely comment, it has a positive effect on you.

[The above collage is an amalgamation of all my Boards on Pinterest.
Everything from fashion to DIY ideas and from my blog images to celeb and street style to inspiring quotes and much more.]


Who all can use it?

The best part is anybody can use it. I got my brother and a close friend of mine hooked on to it. Pinterest can be used and enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

It is a very user-friendly site. Once you join it, all you need to do is install the 'Pin It' button to your bookmark bar and you are good to go.


Why did I do this post?
Firstly, Pinterest is not paying me to do this (but it would be so awesome if they did!). I am currently going through a mother of God creative block. Not just the run-off-the-mill writer kind. More like, I-have-no-creativity-left-in-me kind! And in my darkest days, Pinterest has been very therapeutic as well as inspiring.
I highly recommend Pinterest to anyone who is currently going through a much-unwanted, pesky writer's/creative block. One of the finest places to look for inspiration.

Are you on Pinterest? And have you discovered or learnt something new from it? Share your view with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,
Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: @a_fashionopolis
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

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'Trend Spotting: Colored Jeans' Featured On Links À La Mode: IFB Weekly Roundup {May 10th}

It gives me great pride and joy to say that my article  'Trend Spotting: Colored Jeans' is featured on this week's 'Links À La Mode', Independent Fashion Bloggers weekly round-up of 20 blog posts. Thank you to Sonia of In Pursuit of Style and the team of IFB for selecting and featuring my post. Along with Fashionopolis post, please check out all the other awesome blogs featuring on these weeks round-up.

Wanted: Wardrobe

Edited by: Sonia of In Pursuit of Style

Something about the change in weather that makes me want bright colors, fabulous new clothes and fancy new shoes. This happens every year, as excitement builds with peep toes, sleeveless tops and flowing skirts aplenty. I’ve been feeling uninspired lately, but this week’s blogger submissions have me excited again. We have some showing us how to make old things new again, trends in different iterations and best of all, at a great price! Maybe I can go out a buy that new wardrobe after all...

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: MAY 10TH

Fashionopolis: Trend Spotting - Colored Jeans

Miss Vicki Secrets: New Bloggers In Town
Tobruck Ave: Pioneer Girl
Ma Derniere Addiction: Flamingo
Urbanite: The Artist
DIY Diaries: In All My Glittery Goodness
Boheme Noir: The Return of Matching Shoes & Bags
A Woman Like Me: Neon Wish List
The Chic Street: The Vested Interest
Camo Meets Couture: Color Me Coral
The Citizen Rosebud: Your Little Red Dress
The Style Confessions: How To Make A Fashion Trend Yours 
Fashionista’s Diary: DIY Colorblock Bangle
The Simply Luxurious Life: Why Not Wear A Pencil Skirt?
Net Vignette: Shopping Fashion Blogger’s Closets
A Little Too Much: I Heard You Like The Wild Ones
Fumiko Kawa: Whip My Hair
The Style Safari: Weekend Prep
In Pursuit of Style: Orbit
Welcome To My Closet: What Would Alana Do?

SPONSOR:
New Satchels at Shopbop: Anya Hindmarch, MBMJ Satchels, Tory Burch, Chanel, 3.1 Lim , Red Valentino, Chloé, Messengers, KORS, Jerome Dreyfuss, Beach Bags, Shop Minkoff & Cambridge Satchels

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

Till then, tra-la, 
Amena!!

Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin'
email- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

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Celebrating A Gift Called Ma.

If I was damned of body and soul,

I know whose prayers would make me whole,

Mother o' mine, O mother o'mine.

~Mother o’ Mine,

Rudyard Kipling.

Ma, Mama, Mom, Mother, Mummy, Amma, Ammi, Aai- she is know by many, many names. But in reality she is the same person. The one who puts her life and needs on hold to fulfill her family's, she makes an effort when we give up, she know what we need and she knows what is harmful for us. She is the best creation of God, and there is no one like her.

Since it's all about celebrating mothers, I am going to share my mom's fave words of wisdom to me.

1.Have faith in yourself and God.

2.Be Patient. Things have a way of working themselves out.
3.Think Positive {I am like the queen of pessimism of the house}
4.You have to face it. Good or bad, you just have to face it and accept it.
5. Dont judge others and never compare yourself to others.

There is a lot I want to tell me mother- But let me start by saying sorry for all the times I have been a major pain, thank you for being there for me and for not turning your back on me and most importantly for not wanting me to be anyone else and accepting me the way I am. You are the eternal sunshine of of our lives. 

{Images Via: 1-Orange Scarf; Floral Scarf; Blush Scarf, 2-Handmade Card, 3-Tote; Wallet, 4-Mug, 5-Flower Bouquet, 6-Lipstick; Eye Shadow; Eye Pencil; Lip Pencil, 7- Perfume; Bath&Body Set, 8-Earrings; Bangles; Watch; Pendant, 9-Chocolates}

Mother is the best gift anyone can have. She does not necessarily have to be a biological one. She can be anyone who has been there for you, loved you unconditionally, wiped your tears, prepared your favourite food, and stood beside when you when the going gets tough. 
"For all those times you stood by me

For all the truth that you made me see

For all the joy you brought to my life

For all the wrong that you made right

For every dream you made come true

For all the love I found in you

I'll be forever thankful,

You're the one who held me up

Never let me fall

You're the one who saw me through

Through it all…"

~

Because You Loved Me, Celine Dion.

Here's wishing my darling Mama and all you beautiful moms out there a Wonderful, Loved and Happy Mother's Day.

How are you planning to celebrate Mother's Day? Share your thoughts with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la, 
Amena!!

Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin'
email- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

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Live Life In Color with Ralph Lauren's Big Pony Fragrance Collection For Women.

They say you never forget your first time. I was recently invited to my first ever blogger event. The occasion was to introduce us to Ralph Lauren's 'The Big Pony Fragrance Collection'. True to its theme- it was vibrant, colorful, interactive, overall a full-filled Saturday afternoon. And like many first, this too was a memorable one. I had a wonderful time interacting with fellow bloggers and sampling some uniquely devine fragrances. 

The collection is for today's multi-faced women, who no longer can be defined by a single aspect of her life. Ralph Lauren celebrates her many facets and accomplishments with The Big Pony Collection for Women, a series of four fragrances embracing dynamic femininity.  A new generation of women is leading the way and they now have a fragrance collection to call their own.  

Scent is an essential accessory for all of the roles a woman plays. The Big Pony Collection for Women explores four of her vital attributes; Sporty, Sensual, Free-Spirit and Style. Today’s woman should have a fragrance wardrobe to match her multitude of passions and achievements. She coordinates her fashion according to mood and occasion; now she can choose a scent to compliment her every desire.

All four colorful fragrances are bright, playful and energizing, and set upon a floral backdrop, yet each expresses a clear point of view.  Based on a duo of ingredients, each fragrance pops with a unique accent of Citrus, Fruit, Green or Oriental to establish a clear identity with a distinctive twist.   

The duo structure of The Big Pony Collection for Women is a new and exceptional way to build fragrance. The construction is clear and distinctive, while playing with lively ingredients. The simple lean, translucent and modernized flask bottles of The Big Pony Collection for Women are infused with vibrant and lush ultra-feminine color, contrasting with vivid oversized polo pony icons and individual numbers – assigned according to scent and personality.

A woman’s opportunity to express her character is critical in today’s emerging social values. These four new fragrances give every young woman the chance to live a colorful life and demonstrate all facets of her femininity with a vibrant repertoire of scents. Now she has the fragrances to enhance experiences, compliment her style and inspire her passions with The Big Pony Collection for Women.

Prices:  50ml- Rs. 2900 & 100ml- Rs.4100

Available at all leading department stores and perfumeries across India.
Personally I quite like the Pink{2} and Yellow{3}.



[Check out the Big Pony Fragrance video and the brilliant song 'Life in Color' by the band OneRepublic]
You must take this fun'Life In Color Quiz' and share your results with me in the comment section.

Here are a few pics from the event.



{I feel so happy looking at this pic, and seeing my self with a group of fellow blogger. Yay!!!}

 {As you can see, I am totally engrossed with the quiz while Shrilata from Sparkles Unlimited enjoys the outcome of it.}

 {The colourful ambiance perfectly complimented the theme of the event.}

{Naturally posing for a pic is major hard-work!}

Share with me your views and your quiz results in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!

 Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

[Images and Text via PR Release]

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