Style-Delights: May 2011

May 31, 2011

How To Wear Denim Shorts -Do's And Don'ts Of Wearing Cutoffs!

As comfortable as flip flops and super chic for any summer day , a pair of denim shorts are every wardrobe's staple. Low maintenance and high style we can't get enough of the cutfoffs! Although its pretty foolproof, some people still manage to make this cool piece of clothing look so un-cool! After all there is a fine line between comfortable and frumpy, hip and weird and cool and 'what-is-that?'!!
Here are some of my Do's and Don't of wearing denim shorts and cutoffs!

























Buy Denim Shorts Here - 

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May 30, 2011

Star Style For Less - Sophia Bush's Tailor Fit Look!

As I have said before in my blog posts, I love lace dresses paired with jackets! I saw this picture of Sophia Bush in a ruffled lace skirt from Dior. She paired it with a short sleeve belted jacket and strappy wedges.
Image - People Magazine

Instead of a skirt, I recreated this look with a lace dress. And instead of Dior, I went for Charlotte Russe:-) (Thats why its called Star Style For Less!!!)



Get This Look Here -



Charlotte Russe Dress $29.50
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May 28, 2011

An Ode To Beauty - Remembering The Styles Of Audrey, Joan, Grace and Doris

I love movies!  In theaters, on TV, renting DVDs. But for me nothing comes close to watching an black and white movie on Turner Classic Movies channel! I am in love with the old Hollywood grandeur, the grace and femininity of the ladies and their clothes! There is that undeniable beauty in old movies which inspires you to be glamorous, to sweep the lipgloss before going to grocery store, to look at your closet from a different angle, makes the gloves and hats look "essential' again! Today I am paying tribute to the styles of four of my favorite leading ladies from an era gone by. They are breathtakingly beautiful, have an extraordinary style and  they are timelessly chic!


Joan Fontaine, Grace Kelly , Audrey Hepburn and Doris Day - Thank you for lighting up the marquee! You are a stylist's dream! Here is how I would copy your style!













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May 27, 2011

Memories Of The Humble Glycerin - How To Use It!

Oh How the mind wanders, and the things it registers in it little memory compartment! And how the sights, textures and fragrances conjure them up from your past for you to relive them anytime..I am sitting on my couch on a rainy spring afternoon in Chicago, and the fresh bouquet of sweet smelling roses on the coffee table suddenly unlocked a memory from my childhood in India - my mom giving out the fragrant potion to my sister and I before bedtime to put on our faces and hands! We smell of roses, its cold and we are in hurry to get to the warmth of our beds and to go back to our  giggle and whispers after the light is off! It was a nightly routine or my mom for years while we lived with our parents -  give a sweet kiss and sweet home-made moisturizer made with Glycerin and rosewater! I thought I would share the memory and the moisturizer with all of you here.
Glycerin is the key ingredient in most of the lotions and creams- from drugstore wonders to  expensive "Paris made" potions! Here are 5 simple ways to use pure glycerin (I prefer vegetable glycerin) to substitute or fortify your moisturizing routine.
1. As face and body lotion
Mix equal parts of glycerin and rose water and keep it refrigerated. Use it as before bed or as needed. I have always had problem skin, and most moisturizers clog my pores and made me break out. But being a humecant ( the substance that binds and retains moisture), it really keeps the skin soft without clogging the pores. Even in humid summers you can keep the skin moisturized without being sticky.
2. As toner
Mix one part glycerin, one part rosewater and one pater lemon juice and dab it on the face with cotton ball after cleaning your face. Use sunscreen if you are going out immediately after using this toner, as lemon juice makes the skin more sensitive to sun. Make it in small batches so that lemon juice does not become stale.
3. As body scrub
This one my favorite - Mix some fine granulated sugar in the glycerin to a smooth scrub-like consistency and use it as a body scrub. It really leaves the skin exfoliated and smooth - no need for body-oil after the bath!
4 .As Face mask
I had read about aspirin face mask on acne.org. It said to soak 3-4 aspirin tablets in water and use the paste as the face mask. But I found the mask dried very quickly and the aspirin powder fell off in rather annoying way.  So next time I added few drops of glycerine and no more flaky aspirin powder! Word of caution here- don't use aspirin mask more than 2-3 times a week as you may absorb some aspiring in the body while using it as a mask. 
5. To fortify your favorite lotion
Add a dab of the glycerin on your palm before putting your favorite lotion or cream. It becomes Super-moisturizer! 
6. Dab with water for on the go Moisturizer
Just adding a drop of water in a drop of glycerin on your palm makes fast, simple soothing moisturizer. Just remember a little goes a long way, so just add a drop of glycerin lest you feel sticky.
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May 26, 2011

I am an Independent Fashion Blogger!

Glad to report that my blog link about Spring Cleaning Your Closet made it to the weekly top 20 blog links round up on Independent Fashion Bloggers!

For the Love of Clothes

Edited by Fajr Muhammad at Stylish Thought
If fashion is one thing; it's fun! Whether fashion bloggers are chronicling their ensembles, spring cleaning their wardrobes or finding the perfect colored jean they are loving their clothes. In IFB we discuss fashion from so many angles we often forget the fancy of style and what keeps us blogging: our passion for fashion. This week's Links A La Mode features advice for the perfect poolside ensemble, a comprehensive Q & A on San Fran style and a walk down fashion's memory lane. At the heart of each post are the lovely clothes we wear and adore.

Links à la Mode: May 26th

SPONSOR: Bags at Shopbop: CC Skye, Ash, Whiting & Davis, Halston Heritage, M Missoni, Tory Burch bags, Marc Jacobs, LAMB handbags, Wang, Malene Birger & Gryson
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Rain Boots Look Book - 6 Styles Of Puddle Splashing!

Rainy days are here (again!). Its been misty, foggy, wet and gray almost all week in Chicago area. Aside from watching the rain drops traveling lazily on the window pain, there are very few things cheerful about a rainy day..One of those cheerful things - Rain Boots! The only kind of shoes where you can go totally crazy with colors, patterns and prints and still look cool! Somehow being in the rain boots makes you feel less gloomy about going out in the rain! Don't believe me - take a look at these styles!


1. Every Color In The Rainbow
The bolder the better! I love to see bright pinks, yellows and greens sauntering about making splashes in the puddles!



Buy These Rain Boots Here -


2.  Patterns and Prints
If you can imagine a print or pattern, chances are you can find that it on a rain boot! Go crazy with them!


Buy These Rain Boots Here - 


3. Polka Dots
Is there anything cuter than a pair of polka dot rain boots? They can make a gloomy dull day look so cheerful!



Buy These Rain Boots Here -


4. Lace-Up Girls!!
Military style lace up rain boots look fit for a "tough" day for battling the elements!


Buy These Rain Boots Here -


5. Mad For Plaid
The classic plaid rain boots are always stylish. From Burberry to Target, plaid your way through the rain!



Buy These Rain Boots Here -


6. The City Slickers!
Look chic with these trendy rain boots that can give dry-weather boots a run for their money! The wedge heel will make you look taller while wading through the wet sidewalks!


Buy These Rain Boots Here -

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May 24, 2011

How To Find Swimsuits For Every Body Type!

All through winter we looked wistfully at the beach, at the open pool, at the frozen lakes! Now that we can smell the summer, the wistfulness has turned into anticipation! And to make a splash in style, here are 5 kinds of swimsuit that most body types can use!


1. For Flattening The Tummy
Aren't we all looking for a flat tummy! Look at these swimsuits - Tummy control panels at the front instantly flattens and smooths out the belly area for a falttering shape.

Get The Tummy Shaping Swimwear Here -



2. For Chest Support 
Full-figured women should look for the underwire suooprt in a bikini top. Make sure that the swimsuit fits properly at the sides lest your cup runneth over!

Get The Chest Support Swimwear Here -

3. For Full Coverage - 
If you want to lounge by the pool in modesty, check these swimsuits out with inbuilt cover-up skirts and full coverage seats. Two piece swimsuits with tankini top and boy shorts also work great if you want more coverage.

Get The Full Coverage Swimwear Here-



4. For Gaining A Fuller Chest -
A bandeau bikini top gives the illusin of a bustier chest. Push up bikini tops are also great to gain cleavage. Bikini tops with frills or fringes or metallic embellishment also give the illusion of a fuller chest.

Get The Fuller - Chest Appearance Swimwear Here - 


5. For Hour Glass Figure -
For women blessed with (or who work really hard for) an hour glass figure (jealous sigh!), you can rock these string bikinis!
Get The String Bikinis Here -


So flaunt what you've got, with these swimsuits and don't forget the sunscreen! Happy summer!


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May 23, 2011

How To Spring-Clean Your Closet!

Image via California Closets
If you open your closet to have the clothes fall on your head - its time to clean it! And I don't mean vacuuming the closet carpet. Its time to sort out what you have, what you need, what you want and what are you just hoarding!It can be overwhelming sometimes when we have more clothes than the closet space. Here are some tips to make your closet walk-in-able again! Even if you have the closet space, you can clean the closet to get rid of the clothes you no longer wear but do not know what to do with them.

1.Swap with your friends
If you have friends who wear same size clothes or shoes, you can invite them over for a wardrobe swap party with their "its-cute-but-I-am-so-bored-with-it" items! Wine is optional! But get rid of your items first before you can pick up more. Make enough room in your closet for new items. Accessories can be shared/swapped with any-sized friends:-)
Don't you remember, one woman's junk is another woman's treasure!

  2. Donate it
There are people who will be glad to have your "I-can't-believe-I-bought-it" coat. Donate to your local charity, salvation army, thrift store or put them in the drop boxes for homeless. If it is an expensive piece, you can even get tax deduction benefit. Get the recipt/paperwork when you donate.

3. Sell it
You can make some quick buck by selling your wear-worthy clothes. Recycled Fashions, Out of the Closet and many other stores like these buy and trade clothes and accessories. You can even go to your local consignment shops to sell the clothes you don't want or need.

4. Alter it
If you are nimble with the needle and scissors, you can even alter a piece of clothing to make it new and interesting. I have seen from very basic alteration (from jeans to cut-off shorts) to Project Runway -worthy transformations (Skirt from a frumpy dress or one shouldered T shirt!) 

5. Dump it
If you have a piece of clothing you have in your closet that does not fit in above mentioned categories, just say final goodbye at the dumpster! Make sure to put them in recycle bin!

6. Store it
Pack it for next season (if you have the space!) But remember - As Oprah has told us on numerous occasions - If you have not worn something for 6 months, chances are pretty high that you will never wear it again! Unless it is Chanel:-) 
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Star Style For Less - Hillary Duff's Color Punch!

Hillary Duff was seen in an event in Beverly Hills in a Diane Von Furstenberg camisole and sleek skirt. I love the way she paired up striking colors of the top and the bright clutch with nude shoes.


DVF simply means $$$, so I recreated this look on Forever 21 budget!
Here it is - today's star style for less!



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May 22, 2011

Trend Spotlight - White Pant Suits!

How do you spell confident, sexy and chic - 'Tailored Pant Suit'!! And as summer is beckoning, White is the color for the day! I am seeing stars out on the red carpets and event parties decked up in white suits with bottom hugging pants and waist cinching jackets, and I am loving it! 
What do you think?
Camilla Belle


Halle Berry

Heidi Klum

Mila Kunis

Garcelle Beauvais

Vanessa Hudgens

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May 20, 2011

Flat Sandals For Summer - Take Your Pick

After covering up the toes with thick woolen socks and heavy duty snow boots, its time to let them toes breathe the spring air! Being 5'8" tall I love wearing flat sandals. They are sweet on your heels and high on style! Here are some of my favorite styles for summer sandals - from feminine flowers to bejeweled toes to bold colors! Pick your favorites!
Flowers of Fabric

a. Hydranga White Flower Sandals $56 - topshop.com
b. Modesta Krystal Womens Sandals $19.99 - tillys.com
c. Floral chain toe post sandals $45 - dorothyperkins.com


a. Magnolia Plait Sandal $40 - missselfridge.com
b. Brian Atwood Sandals $900 - Brian Atwood
c. Flower Sandals $650 - aloharag.com
d. Sandals Women $695 - giuseppezanottidesign.com
Get Flower Sandals Here -


Jeweled Sandals

a. Shellys Parfait Beaded Front Flat Sandals $111 - asos.com
b. Lollipops Kideal Blue Jeweled Thong Sandal $148 - forzieri.com
c. Metrix $89 - ninewest.com
d. Bernardo Jeweled Emilio Sandal $375 - editnewyork.com


a. House Of Harlow 1960 Silver Jewelled Strappy Sandal $371 - my-wardrobe.com
b. SuperTrash Sandal Diamonds Grey $120 - welikefashion.com
c. Sandals Women $885 - giuseppezanottidesign.com
d. Cocobelle Sea Shell Sandal $99 - calypsostbarth.com
Get The Jeweld Sandals Here -

Gladiator Sandals

a. Infinity Gladiator Sandals $18.80 - Forever21
b. FIG Ind Rope Tie Leg Sandals $75 - topshop.com
c. Christian Louboutin Hola Chica Flat Sandal $495 - Bergdorf Goodman
d. Vaughn jelly gladiator sandals $98 - theoutnet.com


a. Black Knee High Gladiator Sandal $258 - Urban Outfitters
b. Steve Madden 'Paiigge' Gladiator Sandal $70 - Nordstrom
c. Neem vegan gladiator sandal $58 - fashion-conscience.com
d. Steve Madden Krosby Woven Vamp Gladiator $115 - gravitypope.com
e. Sandals Women $1,630 - giuseppezanottidesign.com
Get The Gladiator Sandals Here -


Bold Bright Spring Colors

a. Giuseppe Zanotti GE1005 $550 - couture.zappos.com
b. Kenneth Cole Reaction Shine Through $59 - piperlime.gap.com
c. Woven leather sandals Sigerson Morrison $225 - theoutnet.com
d. Emilio Pucci Four-color flat sandal $828 - shopsavannahs.com
e. Tory Burch Falyn Ornament Thong Sandal $295 - Bergdorf Goodman


Get The Bold Color Sandals Here -


Show off your pedicure with these toe-baring style staples! Enjoy the summer:-)
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May 16, 2011

Star Style For Less - Gisele Bündchen's Sexy Chic

If there is someone who can look good in a potato sack - that someone has to be Gisele Bündchen! She has the sleek figure, long legs and the beautiful face to pull any dress off! Look how she is rocking this daring Emanuel Ungaro tweed dress!!!


This dress is simple yet daring and very very chic, but it comes with a pricetag not to my liking! So I recreated this look with a sequin skirt and some basic pieces that can be mixed with any existing wardrobe for some other look!



Get This Look Here -

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May 13, 2011

The Hats of Kentucky Derby!

A wide brim hat+ cluster of flowers + a haughty smile = Instant sophistication! And what better place (other than the Royal Wedding ofcourse!)  to see the amazing hats than Kentucky Derby! The hats of the derby are as famous and fabulous as the thoroughbreds of the race. A horse may be the race winner, but the whimsical hats are the Style Winner of the Derby!
Look at these hats with feathers, flowers and fun!



I have never been to the Kentucky Derby, but that doesn't mean I can't get "Hat-ed" up in my own backyard!


Until next Derby then!


Get the Derby hats  here -

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