Another fashion piece done by me for Femina.in. Appeared Dec 30th. Posting the article in full.

Belt it out

 

From functional accessory to style mantra, the humble waist belt has come a long way. Thinking way beyond leather, this chic accessory has taken numerous avatars today. From Rhine-stoned to wrapped and stretch, fashion designer Meera Mittal hooks you on to the new forms of the waist-cinching device.

Waist belts have been en vogue since the Bronze Age. That’s a pretty long time you’ll agree. So what is it that has made belts stick? The right belt cinches the waist, giving that instant tummy tuck and lends the wearer a trimmer appearance. They hold up pants, stylishly clasp onto dresses and are useful to carry armaments into battle. Extremely worthy attributes!

In a modern context, wider belts look more fashionable on tops and dresses while helping to conceal a broad waist and skinny belts look better on pants and corporate looks like pencil skirts and shirt dresses. Patent leather is cool for both day and evening, provided the colour is neutral (read black, white, and grey, brown, beige). You can pop an outfit with a coloured belt. Keep it one solid colour or be warned you’ll look like a school art & craft project.
Trend wise belts look best worn high to mid waist. Low waist looks are not for belting.

Bling it on
Embellished clinchers are all the rage. A sprinkling of crystals, a cluster of diamantes, rows of metal studs or a buckle patterned out of stones, nothing quite says evening like these.
When sporting a sparkly belt it’s wise to keep the dress played down on shine. Rich jewel colours look classier than bright white crystal.

Stretch it out
We all know the 80s style elasticized belt; remember the big black ones with the cheesy buckles? Well, update those memory files with refreshing, contemporary looks; part abacus, part accessory. Other elasticized looks include the elastic-patent leather hybrids. These give you all style of patent with the comfort of stretch. No more fear of post dinner groaning and tautness.

Tie it up
One of my favourite kinds is the obi belt. This Japanese import is traditionally seen on kimonos and wraps around the waist supporting the back snugly. Today obi belts are seen worn all over the world, by women looking for that special Oriental touch to their style. The secret to wearing the obi right is all in the wrapping and knotting. A neat and clean bow goes a long way. Satin, metallic finish or printed obi belts are a whole lot of fun.
So whether your look is workforce diva or homemaker fashionista, waist belts are a budget friendly fashion addition that can perk up almost any wardrobe. Give it a try and develop your own style.

All photos courtesy and copyright Meera Mittal

Neon - while we can

While colour and trend forecasters pinned neon brights as the hot colours this Fall, no one predicted the down turn in financial markets and the global terror gloom.

So while we're not very much in the mood for dressing in neon colours, we might as well feast on them with our senses, before we don the upcoming muted hues and matte material for Spring. So I've made a selection of some of my drool-worthy bright pieces.... scroll for more.



First up these gorgeous lime green & hot pink silk column-dresses Temperly London, really gives me goosebumps. I want to own 'em, wear 'em, sashay in 'em just plain live in 'em! Works of art i say.


Next up are the Tom Binns necklace and cuff. The neon colour gives the otherwise classic shapes a uniquely modern edge, while the silver & crystal accompaniments make a sight for sore eyes.

Marc Jacobs went all out with the Glitter shoulder bag. Crafted in hot metallic pink leather, the shoulder bag comes roomy for when you need to carry your world with you.

There's even a Plum colourway!

See more covetable neon looks? Give me a holler.

So if you thought neon was so 80s in a very passe manner, look again.

Sport Luxe Trend - Zipper up!

One of the sport luxe trends for the present season is the metal zipper detail. Showing up on center fronts and center backs the world over, the fastener adds that edgy feel to an otherwise lady-like dress or skirt.

Case in point being sherbet coloured knee length dress by Mulberry (right) and the plum coloured Miu Miu Zip Front Bustier dress alongside.

But when i came across this witty pair of zipper puller inspired Zipper Charm Studs by Marc Jacobs simply knew this was a blog-worthy trend! I love it when designers add that touch of humour to their products as it really shows up the lighter side of fashion.

Spring Accessories - Shoes, rocks and more!

While the sculptural and near architectural look for accessories has been in vogue from Fall '08, Balenciaga's new line of Spring Summer '09 accessories look inspired by furniture!
From the grain and colouring of the leather, the heel resembling the retro style in table legs and the platform looking like a cushy seat, and the white piped trim, I can only imagine what fun it must've been to put these together!Brit boy McQueen's jet crystal studded bootie is fashioned with a the heel from hell, not mildly reminiscent of a stake through the heart.
Speaking of crystals i love this necklace with the crystal cluster pendant by Aurélie Bidermann. Though a simpler chain as opposed to the chain-link would be more my style.

WGSN turns 10

Worth Global Style Network is celebrating 'Ten Years of Creative Intelligence' with this microsite to share key trend analysis collated over the past 10 years, as well as to attract more customers.

As those in the fashion and design business know, WGSN has trend forecasters working tirelessly, spotting trends and innovations the world over, in silhouette, form, technique and fabric and is a veritable treasure trove of information on what to expect in the most avante-garde circles of fashion in seasons to come.

It's a different thing that their services cost a king's ransom. So dig into these micro-offerings of major trend directions of the past and learn your fashion lessons.

Spring Fever

I was asked by the people over at InTouch India magazine to write them a piece for their 'Glamour' section. Their readers being mostly university students and young professionals I took up the offer.

I put together a round up of trend tips, colour information and what's new in accessories.


Photos Credits: Style.com, bananarepublic.com, guess.com

The world of couture and high fashion can sometimes feel far removed from that of the classroom and cubicle. But fashion can in fact be blended in seamlessly with the academic and executive life, with a few pointers on what’s in trend for the season.

Looking for the juice on what’s hot this spring? Read on for lessons in colour, fit, silhouette, accessorization, and give yourself a quick fashion education.


Silhouette talk

Every season or two silhouettes undergo change. With newer variations on the present and additional silhouettes which herald the future.

Silhouettes this season are on the one hand emphasize comfort with shirt dresses (belted and in cotton or denim), tunic dresses and tops, the balloon silhouette in the form of skirts, tops and pants, flared knee length skirts for women. This means your empire waist tops and dresses will continue to work at least another season. You could choose to update these by tying a ribbon below your chest for the right look. Halter necks and strapless tops continue to be big news for those able to carry them off. Dolman sleeves (seen above in lime green) and the ‘H’ shape neckline (seen in sage green) are blasts from the past and back in a big way. You’ll be sure to spot these on the ramps and racks for winter as well.

Jackets remain cropped, and hit just below the bust or get sparkly with sequins and rhinestones for evening. Throw on a number like the ones shown above and layer your knit tops and blouses. Look out for satin details on tops, dresses, skirts and pants.


Jeans and Pants: The freshest take on pants is the Cropped Pant. In two lengths, one ending above the knee and the other which hits just below the knee, the cropped pant is a style which works for all figure types. For the hip heavy though, hip covering tops are a good idea.


The skinny leg or drain pipes continue on from winter as the staple in pants and jeans. As dark wash jeans these are a personal favourite as well. Wear it chino style for office chic or as skinny jeans for an evening out with friends.

The contoured leg jean, a slimmer cousin of the boot leg is also a stylish choice, for those who just can’t let go of the boot-cut silhouette.


Men’s looks: For guys the looks to be inspired by include a layering of a dark casual jacket over a t-shirt and jeans or chinos, or for more casual style, combine a pair of dark wash denims with a shirt and zip-front sweatshirt.


Jackets remain soft and unstructured, in glossy twill, dark wash denim and soft linen.


For the man serious about his style, white cords are where it is this season. Worn with beige, brown and lighter shades of blue these make for a very refined look.


Colour Story


Hot colours this season include white, seen in all white dresses on ramps the world over. Yellow in an almost acid avatar, and a bright pop of vermillion are this seasons new arrivals. Colours like bright green, crimson red, cobalt blue, coppery brown and black round off the palette. Accents of matte and shiny gold, silver and copper bring the mix to a boil.


Accessories Story

Going Metallic: We’ve seen gold, silver and copper on bracelets, earrings, big shoulder bags and the like. But this season prepare to see these everywhere from ballet flats to watches to newer takes on your favourite kolhapuris.


For the boys all-metal watches in gold and matte chrome are the hottest news this season, while for the girls coppery-gold tones travel as far as multi-strand necklaces and makeup.


Glam Shades: A pair of well-made shades are essential for everyone this season. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, they also appreciably up your glam quotient.


Bags and Shoes: While ballet flats & platform heels are the stylish options for women’s shoes, for men it is the pointy toed loafers and tennis shoes, which make for a well put together look.


While big shoulder bags continue in newer shapes and colours for women, it is the clutch that reigns supreme for the evening. While for guys the canvas messenger bag remains a handy essential.

Fall 2005 for Women


There is a slight nip in the air, telling us that fall is here, and this year it returns with a whiff of the romantic, glimpses from the past and subtle hints for the future.

Purple replaces pink this season, dark hues for thewinter and pale lilacs for spring. The other colour palette emerging is muted metallic.

Even black which makes a comeback this fall returns in a non-gothic way in ruffled, beaded and pleated forms and graphic prints with white. Chocolate brown gets a feminine twist when paired with deep turquiose and other warmer hues such as dusty rose and earthy greens.

As a return to feminity, lace and net appear as the popular fabrics for the season updated with bright colours and modern cuts.
The casual Bohemian trend comes in the form of luxurious layering (cashmere knits paired with silk dresses) and an assortment of prints from folk to graphic to eastern influence (read Indian influence) all culminate in silhouettes mixed with knits, leather and other solids.

Flared skirts remain an important element of the wardrobe, though updated with evening fabrics (lace, net and chiffon) and interesting cuts.

Pants show a dual trend. They either go the Spanish gaucho way, and are more tailored at the waist with a slight flared drape down the leg to allow for plenty of mobility, or are slim fitted and fall in gathers at the calf like our very own chudidar and Jodhpur pants. Skinny pants work only if you have legs like Angeline Jolie.

Rich jewel tones like emerald, ruby, turquoise, amethyst and topaz are subtly woven into wool and silk to add luster to jackets, blouses and dresses.

The final statement comes from accessories. Beaded necklaces fall lower, two belts instead of one work better, and funky hobo bags rule. It’s all happening this Fall.


Top 5 Picks

#1 Boxy Jackets

The boxy jacket is this season’s jacket update. Combined with well fitting jeans and a round neck t-shirt, it’s more defined, and more defining of you. Look out for military detailing like epaulets, flap pockets and big brass buttons. When worn, this jacket should be the star. Add a touch of femininity to contrast with the boxy lines with a pair of jeweled chandelier earrings and high heels. Alternatively, wear boots and go monochromatic (all shades of one colour). For the Aviator look steer toward brown, while for the Army, go blue/ black.

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#2 Empire Waist Line

The empire line is still reigning as the silhouette for the season. An ode to the romantic and bohemian mood of the moment, these low cut tops gather just below the bust and give many a wardrobe a stylish and chic edge. Embroidered lines, embellishments, seams and panels, all provide the accents giving way to pretty party dresses and flowing tops as well as casual statements with jeans and cords. This is the most flattering and forgiving silhouette to a variety of figures.

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#3 Trouser Jeans

Loose and laid-back in attitude, trouser jeans are the slouchier version of the Boot Cut. More flared than the classic boot-cut, this denim style creates a sexy and dramatic silhouette. Its contouring cut fits slim through the legs, sits low on the waist, and is a great way to accentuate curves.

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#4 The Dress

Whether your style is feminine or flirty, there's a dress to suit your shape. Sheath dresses abound for those of who fit the petite description, while wrap dresses suit the well-endowed among us. Romantics may opt for shirt dresses (dresses that are styled as shirts) and empire waists. In any case, we ought to cheer the return of this classy, feminine garment.

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#5 Boots

Whether worn with jeans, skirts, or cropped pants, boots are fall’s hottest—and most versatile—footwear tickets. The cornucopia of styles includes varying heel heights, leg lengths, shapes, and materials (think leather and buttery suede) and offers winning options for all fashion sensibilities. We now have the option of chunky heels, kitten heels, wedge heels and even flats. Whatever you choose, just be sure the boot ends just below the knee.

As always I hope my notes help you update your wardrobe with style and confidence!