TUX/STRIPED Pants

Call it tuxedo pants, side stripe trousers or racing stripe pants, we are in love with these pants! London Olympics 2012 brought the trend of athletic-inspired ensemble. These pants are a mix of track and tuxedo. The sporty striped or lowers have been transformed into pants or trousers of various flattering fabrics.

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani was spotted at the NFL's 2012 wearing a pair of white tuxedo-stripe trousers with a sheer black tank and a black boyfriend blazer. She balanced the sporty outfit with black pointed Christian Louboutin pumps and red lipstick. Very sporty-chic!

Well, I’ve never seen such an impact of sports on fashion! Tinsel town celebs are seen strutting in these pants sportingly. Pairing with white flimsy shirts, the minimalistic styling of Miranda Kerr (in A.L.C.) and Blake Lively (in Lanvin), is adorable.

Fall 2012

During the Fall 2012 runway, we saw a lot of striped pants – LOVE the printed version by Rag & Bone and Tracy Reese!

This trend can easily be transformed from office to dinner and to a lounge. If you love androgynous trend, but afraid to try one – then, this is an easy and subtle way to channel the look. You can pair your tux pants with boyfriend blazer and set-off the masculinity by adding heels.

I’d prefer the slim fit paired with a simple blouse and killer heels, to keep the look sleek and chic. This will also elongate the legs.

Miranda Kerr

The Spring trend moves into the Fall, with deeper hues like burgundy (Fall’s favorite color of the year) and Baroque-inspired prints and patterns, along with richer fabrics.

Pick one for yourself!

Ombré

Ombre Effect

According to Google, Ombre, a French term, is a dyed, printed or woven design in which color is graduated from light to dark. Usually, the effect is done on a fabric.



Clothes with ombre effect

  If we'd recall, ombre clothing (not to be confused with tie-dye) came in trend a few seasons back. Infact, we saw splashes of 'shading' here and there in SS12 as well ... 



Ombre on the Runway

The versatile ombre effect is not just limited to clothes ! Since the start of 2012, ombre effect has been spotted everywhere - clothes, hair and makeup.... 

During the summer, all the A-listers of Hollywood have been spotted with a touch of ombre in their hair. If your hair is dyed in a lighter shade, then ombre hair gives you an excuse to let your roots grow out !!! 

Ombre Hair

However, what is big right now is - OMBRE LIPS! 

Ombre lips

Net-a-porter, one of the premier online luxury fashion retailer, describes 'the ombre lip' as one of the biggest beauty trend of Fall 2012. "The classic red pout gets a remix from makeup artist Victor Alvarez at Nina Ricci, who paints a hint of blackberry gloss over a cherry red base." 

Ombre lips - backstage

The key is to use darker shade with a lighter shade of the same color family. Best part about this trend is that the darker shade gives definition to your lips and the lighter one creates illusion of fuller lips. Remember to use a brush for applying color to your lips. Or, you can use brush to apply darker shade along the lip line. For the lighter shade, use either a brush or your finger. However, don't forger to blend, to get a real ombre effect.

Well, burgundy is the hue for fall 2012, while ombre (of the same color family is what we currently love. Uncomfortable trying this hue? Try creating ombre trend with other shades that you like - pinks or browns... and once you are comfortable move on to the 'it' color. 

Other than your lips and hair, you can add ombre effect to your nails and eyes too !

For Nails - either paint each of your nail in a different shade of one color family (light to dark) or, add ombre effect on each nail by painting it dark to light.

Ombre Nails - each nail in a different shade of the same color family

Ombre Nails - each nail with an ombre effect from dark to light

Next, the ombre eyes ... This is the most common and easily noticed trend. As we know, most of the eyeshadow is applied using two or three shades of the same color family and requires 'shading' and blending.

Again, you can go either go 'in to out' or 'top to bottom'. As we say, sky is the limit and creativity is all about experimenting  !

Chanel Ombre Eye Pallet

PS: Ombre is a tricky trend and something that you may either love or hate !!!

Pep Pep Peplum ...

                                                       Royal ladies love Peplum

Well SS12 is all about Peplum. What is this exactly? According to Wikipedia, "Peplum  may refer to short overskirt that is usually attached to a fitted jacket, blouse or dress. It reminds me of the fashionista Sonam Kapoor strutting in Pink Peplum in the chick flick 'Aisha' !!!

Sonam Kapoor in 'Aisha'

Peplum is very versatile and suits all body types. It makes you look sexy and classy, rather, we should say, chic. It can easily be worn both at office and at a soiree. One can opt for this silhouette in the form of a skirt, dress or even as a top. This curve friendly detailing can do wonders to our body by hiding our biggest problem areas. However, it is important to pick the right one for your body-type. If you opt for a Peplum top, pair it with pencil skirt to balance proportions or wear with slim pants or jeans (best for those who have short legs). A peplum skirt will look great with a nice fitted plain top or a tucked-in blouse  !!!

                                                Bollywood strutting in Peplum
                              FYI: Parineeti Chopra is wearing peplum skirt by Zara!

                                                            Peplum gowns - wow !


Check out Zara for great Peplum finds.

Peplum Styles by Zara

Go Global !

This is one of the most interesting trend of SS12. Thank to Christopher Bailey who created ethnic and tribal masterpieces for Burberry Prorsum SS12 collection.

Burberry Prorsum SS12

Most of us must be having atleast one animal print or safari inspired piece. This season let's go further and explore our tribal instincts. Globally, designers have taken inspiration from India, Mexico and Africa for their collections. Look for aztec, raffia, tie-dye, batik or ikat detailings.

Did you guys notice Deepika Padukone in 'Tumhi ho bandhu...' from the movie 'Cocktail'? She is wearing an adorable  'All Saints" aztec print skirt.

Cocktail

Go global in an earthy palette of burgundy, burnt orange, blue and brown. Well, why to go far when our country itself is full of inspiration. We really love nagaland's tribal prints or jewellery - quite interesting. 

Left  - nagaland-inspired accessories, Right - Nagaland-print cloth

You can buy fabrics with tie-dye, ikat or batik details from any local shop and ask any near-by tailor to stitch some nice tops/blouses or dresses for you.

Ikat print cloth

Such busy prints will also work for not-so-perfect bodies and will camouflage the problem areas. We also love the tribal inspired statement jewellery - collar necklaces, cuffs, bangles and long beaded neck-pieces, especially, in gold and bronze hue. For pocket-friendly trinkets or faux jewellery check out Janpath or Khan Market streets. A boho maxi dress paired with tribal accessories is an easy way to incorporate this trend without looking OTT. Look out for wedges and bags with tribal detailing.

1) Aldo shoes 2) Zara square basket 3) Zara metal necklace with feathers 4) Zara woven thong sandal 5) Zara messenger bag with fringes 6) Zara ethnic vamp shoe 7) Zara interwoven metal rigid necklace 8) Aldo clutch

Even a tribal print scarf with a basic plain tee and colored jeans will look great. Just remember - wearing one or two tribal inspired item is enough to work this trend !!