A European Escapade

When I travelled through Europe, I felt I was in another world. A world that was left only to imagination which then came alive. With picturesque surroundings and beauty at every corner, pathway, alleyway,  wall and  literally at every nook ; Europe always has so much to offer.

Whether one travels for art, music , culture , fashion or just for the general love of wanderlust ; Europe is one of the most creative continents for both history lovers and the contemporaries. When I took off on my European escapade I was already living in Milan , Italy. The land of cathedrals, christianity and pizza. It was a wonderful year of discoveries and experiences. Everyday was a new chapter of memories, conversations and incredible amounts of Italian coffee to a never ending book of my European adventures!

I started my journey of discovering Europe by going to Venice for The Venice Carnival. It took my friends and I three hours by train to reach Venice. On the way we witnessed an impressive Italian country side and cold winds. We were greeted by the view of Gondolas drifting in azure waters and a large crowd of people charged up for the carnival. The first sighting of the carnival were of people dressed in grand Victorian era costumes and painted faces. The famous venetian masks filled with glitter and colours seemed to be everybody’s attire for the day. Though the carnival demanded us to walk for hours together , we never complained even once. Who would complain when Pizza and Churros were constantly being served all along the way!

Moving on to the next destination , which is one my absolute favourite, is Paris- The City Of Love. It is said that “ Paris is always a good idea.” I definitely believe in it because It simply is a great idea!! When I arrived in Paris , the cool winds of fall brushed my hair lightly and the night lights mesmerised me. I was picked up by a close friend who took me for a drive to the famous Champs - Elysees by night. I spotted the Eiffel Tower lit up in all its glory. It truly is an unforgettable sight. The next day we walked around the streets of Paris. My day started with a delectable Crepe in the most darling little Blue Creperie. After we did the usual touristy shenanigans of visiting the Lourve , Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, we then stopped for Coffee and some Creme Brûlée with a pleasant view of the river Siene. Paris is a classic mix of commendable food, fashion , restaurants and culture which I wish I could experience time and again. No one can ever gets bored of Paris!

Last but not the least is a destination in Europe I would love to settle down in; The South Of France!! I stayed in Nice for 4 days whilst taking a train to the either side of Nice to Cannes and Monaco respectively.I could not believe the famous Cannes and the extravagant Monaco were so close. The French Riviera astounded me with its stunning beaches, incredible people and tasteful cuisine. I also attended the Grand Prix in Monaco , shopped at Cannes and lazed around at the ocean front in Nice!

Europe will always be close to my heart. There are many more places to visit of course and I hope to be a part of Europe’s ever growing beauty and discoveries.

The Health Box Feature -http://www.thehealthbox.in/whip-up-a-healthy-breakfast/

The Local Chic got featured recently on The Health Box for whipping up an easy but healthy breakfast the other day . We are not only into looking good, through great fashion  but are  also working very hard to keep fit and fine too.

This is what our Founder wrote about her healthy breakfast last Saturday :

The Weekend is here! And Saturdays usually call for indulgence, but since I am trying to stick to a healthy routine, I stayed strong and whipped up something healthy but delicious and simple too!

Since I cannot do without my daily Cuppa, I had to brew some Nescafe Gold coffee which is one of my favourite. It is strong and I just love the way it tastes. So I blended my coffee with milk only and added a bit of chocolate powder to give it a  bit of guilt-free indulgence. It is always handy to scout around the kitchen and take leftovers to make something quick and easy.  I used up a few of my Italian basil leaves and fresh tomatoes to make a multigrain bread sandwich. Seasoned it with salt, pepper and a dash of tomato ketchup to give it a little twang.

And, finally no breakfast is complete without a fruit.  It is said that Pomegranates contain  anti-ageing properties and are a great source of vitamin C which keeps the skin fabulous. Why not have a small bowl of it everyday? That’s exactly what I do, just a small effort to keep my skin healthy and glowing too.

More on The Health box on :

http://www.thehealthbox.in/

Retro Uprising - Throwback to The Seventies

  The seventies was a whirlwind of change yet acceptance at the same time. There was an acceptance of cultures, people and of course style. Fashion took to a whooping change from tight mini -skirts to flowing silhouettes and “ high “ – waisted ensembles.Fashion is now bringing back the seventies in a way never seen before. Almost every designer has revived the essence of flared jeans, clog heels, bohemian prints and weird colours. That era is continuously spinning like a reel of fantasy in their heads which they have managed to bring  to the runways and beyond. The fashion community around the world is adapting this trend in new and different ways, ways that are definitely here to stay.

  There is something about the seventies that gives everyone a sense of freedom ,a sense of languid sensuality. “It was like you were walking around naked, but you had clothes on,” said Phyllis Magidson, the curator of costumes and textiles at the Museum of the City of New York.

  Maxi’s, studded leather vests, Bell bottom trouser suits for women are the core of the seventies revival  for this fashion season. Styling maxis with “flatforms” or even a pair of neat white sneakers is a way of adopting the retro vibe with a contemporary twist. Young fashionistas are infusing a sporty chic avatar to their daily dressing , may it be a pair of bell bottoms with a crop top or a flowy maxi. Speaking of Bell Bottoms, a classic look always saves the day. Pair a crisp white shirt, with denim flared jeans, a pair of clog heels and a tan bag , and you definitely would look like a girl who loves bringing back  the seventies. How wonderful would it be to see everyone dressed this way on the streets? The streets would be a modern runway for past fashion!

Retro is also about impactful elements like biker jackets ,fringed skirts and  magnificent florals.Who doesn’t want that flower-emblazoned little dress that makes one feel free pretty again?  Styling of the seventies trend is a juxtaposition of old style rebellion and beauty. On one hand one can feel strong and powerful in a leather jacket with jeans and on the other hand like a dainty beauty in a light floral dress.Do we need any more proof that retro has reached its apex? Only now does it feel entirely credible to style oneself in flares and fringing without it feeling like a costume. This seasons  “throwback Thursdays" are definitely on all the rails for sale. 

  We are all living in a fashion era filled with nostalgia but still newness in the past. Designers like Prada used 18th century fabrics to use on  silhouettes from the seventies and Dolce & Gabbana invented sunglasses with floral surface ornamentation.Studio 54, the era of David Bowie , 1976 – the warmest summer of the 1970’s marks an epitome of style that will never ever be forgotten. Designers, bloggers stylists , writers will always continue to revive retro in some way or the other! This throwback trend will always be like a joyous pit stop for designers travelling back in time!

An Effortless Tan

  Camel or Tan  is a colour trend that just refuses to go out of style, but we totally appreciate its stubborn nature! Tan and Camel are of the same colour families that literally lend themselves well to all kinds of fashion styling. Whether you are off to a mid week work meeting or a sophisticated lunch, Tan definitely breathes new life to a boring ensemble. That’s why I think owning a few Tan outfits adds instant posh to your wardrobe!

  The reason why this colour is eternally so chic is because of the super iconic trench coat that Burberry has constantly re –invented throughout the years. Putting shades of Tan together could get stylishly tricky, so here is how I would recommend to get an effortless“ Tan” in three uber cool ways.

  White and Tan look great together as a combination. It  can instantly makes someone look smart and chic. Pair a plain white Tee with white pants, a gorgeous pair of heels with A Tan jacket and some gold jewellery to complete this ultra sophisticated day look.

  Another way to style Tan is to wear the colour in a skirt that enhances your body shape with a tank top. Wear this look well with simple tennis shoes.  It definitely adds edge yet  a certain kind of modernity that will surely make heads turn while you strut down the streets.

  The colour tan can also be incorporated in your holiday ensembles. A monochrome striped tee can be worn with a pair of white shorts, a simple tan belt and a statement making tan bag . One can never go wrong with this outfit. Top it off with a light straw hat to celebrate the holiday mood.

  Tan is a great colour that pretty much matches every skin tone. One just has to style a tan look with the right complimentary colours. For instance ,  while a combination of black and brown was once frowned upon as a  sartorial no-no, now every young fashionista around is giving this fabulous trend  a try! t's time to mix things up as fashion trend are changing sides for sure! The key to successfully wearing these shades lies in using various tones and textures. Sometimes leather, sometimes plain cotton. You never know what a sartorial delight you can be getting in to!

  If tan and light brown clothing aren't for you, ease into the trend by incorporating accessories like tan or light brown shoes or wallets into your wardrobe. Dresses in bright shades will look great with a tan pair of heels for women. Similarly, a light brown belt on a pair of men's jeans will prove stylish yet safe. 

  Tan offers comforting warmth and is indicative of a spontaneous spring, summer feeling. Timeless and versatile,  it is an organic shade that speaks to authenticity and all that is extremely stylish! 

Sources :

Pinterest 

Pantone.com 

   

Valentines day Shoe Guide

The Local Chic has conjured up a collage of a few shoes that you can opt for that Valentines date you've been preparing for a week now! (Shush- We feel you!)

We have options for all kinds of dates, whether they be dinner or lunch!

Lets start with " The After Work Dinner" - You know you don't have the time to hustle up another new outfit , so look Armani - esque in a smart trouser suit and a pair of stark show stopper sandals.

Available at Forever 21 for INR 1899.

Next is " The Diva Dinner " - You know you can pull of that glam cute look anytime , anywhere. Grab a skater dress and team it up with this gorgeous multi- stoned stilettos from @SteveMadden and you are good to go!

Available on Jabong App for INR 8999.

Following is " The Casual Brunch" - Look flirty ,confident and smart in a crisp White shirt and classic denims to show of that figure you have been working on for a few months now. A pair of striped Wedges always does the deed. 

Available online on@Forever21. for INR 1899 Approx.

Last but not the least is "The sophisticated lunch " - Carry yourself well in a White or Pastel coloured ensemble. Add an edge with a deep Red lipstick only to match with a smart pair of Red pumps. Dorothy Perkins has just the right shoe for you! 

Available online on Jabong for INR 2899.

Happy Styling!!

The Jewellery Edit

   We all know how important jewellery is, to complete that one look you are trying to feel like a million bucks in ! Good Jewellery, no let me correct that- great jewellery is intoxicating really! From a simple charm bracelet to a statement necklace. If you know how to wear it well , you can  feel and look like a stunner from zero to sixty seconds.

   

   Jewellery has different sides to it. It has its forms of adornment which are enchanting  and make you believe in the power of looking good. After happily reading through many trend forecasts I am here to give you a low down on a final jewellery guide that will help you sail smoothly through this fashion season.

 Lets start with some cool classics and all time favourites. Always keep a pair of solitaire stud earrings handy in your purse. You never know when you need them. They work just well if you are looking for that one element to wear with a little black dress to a party after work or a spontaneous dinner.  Other classics like a simple diamond bracelet or a pendant necklace give out an Audrey Hepburn charm which no fashionista can ever resist. Wear these stellar pieces like you are going to have “ Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Always dress natty when it comes to diamond delicates. It brings out the true essence of a lady. After all diamonds are forever!

   

   I have always heralded the emergence of pearls as pearls are the epitome of ladylike. Princess Diana, Jackie Onassis and fashion world’s favourite Coco Chanel always topped their outfits with at least one strand of pearls. There are many modern ways of wearing pearls without looking like your grand mom. Lady Gaga encrusted pearls all over her face for an awards show! Im not saying you do the same (though it would be awfully cool) but wearing a pearl necklace over a basic white tee, a pair of classic Blue jeans and probably tan wedges may just become one of your best looks ever!  Pair up three to four pearl chains to wear them like a chunky bracelet. This definitely adds some drama to an otherwise boring outfit. 

   Though math was never my strong point , the geometric trend seems to be making waves on the runway and the red carpet. If you are ever feeling “ obtuse “ about this trend, fear not,I've done your homework for you. Try to incorporate this trend from head -to-toe in all the right angles to your ensemble and you are good to go.Linear gold rings or minimalist earrings look edgy with a white shirt.  Even simple collar pins are a new rage this season. Try them out with a cool new shirt dress to work with a pair of brogues and you are bound to make a statement.As long as we talking about making statements , lets not forget our traditional gold jewellery. Antique gold necklaces when worn with earthy tops or plain tee shirts will surely make heads turn. So get out there and try something new to spruce up your style with edginess mixed with traditions.

   Fine jewellery brands across the globe are capitalising on bold and vivid gemstones as a definite trend. Chunky rings and necklaces are a wardrobe must-have as they work well with simple solid coloured outfits. Chunky jewellery is eye catching so why blend in when you can stand out. This is definitely not for the faint hearted!

  Jewellery is like eye candy - always good to look at! So spruce up your style statement with some of fashions best pieces and look your fabulous best always.

Picture Source : Pinterest