Saturday 23 July 2011

Top 10 Most Recent Disaster Fashion Trends

Credits : Yenajeon, Hubpages.

Looking back from the year 2000 to now, there have been SO many bad fashion trends and mistakes that it was almost impossible to pinpoint just 10. However, I forced myself to select the 10 most atrocious and popular fashion trends of this decade.


While browsing through and you discover you have been or still are a victim of one or more of these fashion DO NOTS, don't be offended! These mistakes can happen to all good people, even for self-proclaimed fashionistas (#2*Cough Cough). Besides, you can always discard your fashion offenders and pretend it all never happened after this day.

So sit back and relax with a bowl of popcorn and get ready to cringe, cry, laugh histerically, gasp and reminisce on the worst fashion trends of the decade!


1. Crocs

Number one is crocs. Oh where oh where to even begin. Let us first recognize that in this day and age of Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, cloning, ipods and self-cleaning robots, creating a fashion-forward shoe should not be so difficult. However, these immensely popular 'shoes' as some would call them, are simply unsightly chunks of rubber with some breathing holes on top.

What is even worse is the image it has projected unto other countires. My French and Asian friends facebooking me with 'Are those Croc things really the latest fashion over there in America?!' to which I responded with 'No. Its a nasty rumor being spread around by fascists hiding out in this country.'

Simply stated: For the sake of this nation's national image and integrity - No More Crocs!



2. Juicy Tracksuits

Juicy Tracksuits are an interesting phenomenon actually. This is how I honestly believe it became popular: A few unlucky women purchased it in thinking of comfort and men noticed. They noticed obviously from staring at the letters on any passerby's butt. The fact that the pants are fairly form fitting and have bold letters jumping off of them, forces people to look. As the male appeal began to grow, the women were just dying to have them. These 'butt' pants were flying off the shelves! What an easy way to grab any man's attention.

Now, focusing on the 'fashion' aspect. These are a major NO. The fact that most women's behinds are not made to be stuffed into some small polyester-spandex pants are just one aspect of why. They are tacky all the way, and no man in search of a classy woman would dare think of you as 'take home to mama material!



3. Ponchos

This one is completely self-explanatory. In what situation would a poncho be deemed acceptable or even warranted?

Hmm, without being a stereotypical a-hole and saying 'rodeo', there are NONE. Wearing a poncho at the beach? NO. Wearing one to an office meeting? NO. Wearing one to a party? NO.

See, there is no such need to wear a poncho. Just say NO!

4. Celebrity Clothing Lines

For this particular fashion offense, I refer to specific individuals. I appreciate some famous celebs who honestly have a love and knowledge of fashion who want to create their own lines. However, these very select few are now accompanied by every celeb in Hollywood.

Its hard to even name a female celebrity who doesn't have a fashion label. Since when did celebrity, model, actress and singer become synonymous with designer?



5. Iconic Nerd Glasses

This is one of the more recent fashion trends I do not understand. If you truly are a nerd/geek and want to display it, can't you just be yourself and sprout off mathematical algorithms and admit to playing dungeons and dragons? Why are random rappers and actors who probably do not interact with these so called 'nerds' sporting the look?

Its just interesting to wonder what kind of statement they are trying to make.



6. Hobo Chic?

In my mind, there is no argument that the word 'hobo' and 'chic' will never fit together because that would be a contradiction or double negative. (As one who almost became an English major, double negatives are THE ultimate NO in academia.) There is nothing chic about fashion that is trying to represent homelessness. For homeless people, their state of financial being is a serious matter. They do not purposefully want to dress ragged and worn. I feel as if this fashion trend is almost a mockery of those who have no other choice but to wear 'hobo fashions.'



7. Jumpsuits

Why oh why? Jumpsuits are for toddles only. Jumpsuits are great for parents of babies or little children because its a one piece that is easy to put on and take off without worrying about matching or oufit-picking. Jumpsuits for everyday women and men? No.

In addition, in the haute couture world, jumpsuits have also sprung up. This is a very miniscule exception. These models are about 6'2" and weigh 115 lbs. Obviously if the cut is chic enough they will maybe be able to pull it off. Are we very skinny giants? NO



8. Ed Hardy

Oh, Christian Audigier. In my opinion, Mr. Audigier is a fine designer. However, tattoo patterns everywhere? Please no. What would it even be called? Biker Chic? Tattoo Couture?

What's even worse is that Ed Hardy is now synonymous with Jon Gosselin, which of course in something no one wants to be associated with!

Leave tattoo art for your skin only please.



9. Platform Flipflops

The platform flip flop popped into US mass culture in the 90's, and unfortunately made it through the 2000's. What is there to say about a large wedge of styrofoam block. (Yes, I know, its not actually styrofoam) Is this a necessary fashion item? Why did this even come about? It makes women look very thick and unflattering. It does not give an illusion of height, which is what women assumed.

Lets hope that we do not see a single Platform flipflop in the coming decade!



10. Tights as Pants

Lets get this straight ladies and ladies: Tights are NOT pants. Leggings are also NOT pants for that matter. Tights and leggings are very fashionable and sexy when worn UNDERNEATH pants, dresses and skirts. Once again ladies, when wearing tights, its best NOT to ask a man's opinion on it. They will always tell you that tights are pants.

When wearing tights as pants, everyone can see everything! For those women who love wearing them despite this 100% fact, then more power to you, but consider this: Why not become a stripper who shows off everything? All men are starring at your *parts* in either scenario, and the only difference is, by being a stripper, you can make TONS of money!


Looking back at the 10 biggest fashion atrocities of this decade, we can see our mistakes and learn from them.

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Being FEMALE in a Man's world.


I met up with a friend recently who was complaining that all her law firm allowed her to wear was strict office attire. And due to religious reasons, that means she could only wear pant suits. Her firm consists of 80% men and she is convinced, wearing anything remotely female looking would just make them look down on her. It already didn't help the situation that she is the youngest female member of her law firm. 


This got me thinking. I'm very often (for some reason), in conversation with people who think that the way they dress does not say anything about them. I completely disagree. While i do not think it is a statement of fact; what you wear is who you are, i do not think that your true personality and what you select to cloth yourself in are completely mutually exclusive. 

But i digress. As usual. Back to my friend. She was asking me for tips on how she can "girl" up her dressing in an office where they seem to want everyone to look like men. In her words exactly:

"i dont want to break the rules sasha. But i don't mind playing around them. I want to still feel pretty lah ;)"

This one is for you Ann-ies :)

1. Wear Makeup


Even if you wear wearing a potato sack, you can still put on some bright eye shadow or some girl lip stick to add some color and  definition to your feminine features. Don't pile on the make up to over compensate. Just define your features and pick some neutral colors that blend in. Your objective is to look feminine and intelligent. Not like a raccoon that just rolled out of a bin.

 



2. Clinch at the waist


Your office might make you wear pant suits, but there is no reason not to show a hint of a figure. Ladies, our greatest assets are our curves. Even if they are covered up, just a hint of them is enough to get people interested. Make sure your pant suits, jackets, tops are well cut. Use funky belts to clinch at the waist to give illusions of a smaller waist. 

3. Accessorize


Throw on an awesome pair of earrings. Or a statement necklace. By accessorizing your look, you are screaming to the world "look at me. i'm a girl. and i take pride in the way i look" Trust me ladies. Bosses love people to dress well. You are a representation of your company. When bosses see a well dressed lady, they immediately give her more respect compared to someone who looks like they just walked out of their bedroom. 

One caution with this would be to not wear any accessory that is too distracting; such as a long clanking bracelet when you type on your keyboard. Then its no longer fashion. Its a job hazard. 

4. Get an awesome haircut



Hair is one of the most sensual parts of a woman. Get an awesome haircut that makes you feel sexy and you will naturally radiate the same feeling to other around you. 

5. Wear strong sensual perfume


People very often underestimate the power of the sense of smell. Pick a strong sensual perfume which you associate with power. Make sure the perfume is not over bearing. You do not want your colleges walking around you holding their breath. What you want is undertones of your perfume to hit them. Think about it. You always want to be around something that smells real good don't you? That's how your boss will feel as well. :)

Happy being a Girl!! :)

Friday 8 July 2011

Quick Fixes - 5 things under 5 mins

I was driving with a friend in the car the other day and he looks at my leg and says "why so dry?" and i blush.


Ever heard the expression:
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. - Mother Teresa


Well i know she wasn't exactly talking about Beauty or Fashion. But the core message still applies to almost everything. :)


So here is a list of 5 things that can be done under 5 mins (actually much, much less than 5 mins) that will make all the difference to your body if you do them.


1. Moisturize your skin




When you jump out of the shower, slather on some moisturizer. We normally only think of moisturizing our face but forget about the rest of our body. By putting on some lotion right after a shower, the water in your skin is sealed in giving it a double moisture effect :)


Time taken : Less than 2 mins


2. Apply some baby oil to your hair






The world often wonders why Indians have such thick glossy hair. No we don't go for Repair Treatment. We just love our oil. Forget extensive Saloon Treatment Repairs, just apply some baby oil or olive oil to your hair on the weekend. Leave it on for less than an hour to completely soak and then wash off.


Make sure you don't oil your scalp too heavily though. You don't need the extra oil on your scalp but your hair itself doesn't secrete oil like your scalp does so make sure you give it some love :)


Time taken : Squirt, rub in palms and apply. Less then 1 min (but leave in and wash off approx: an hour)


3. Exfoliate your lips




Use a gentle cloth and rub your lips to effectively exfoliate the dead skin off your lips. By removing the dead skin on your lips, lip gloss and lipstick slide on better. (And so do the Current Mr Hottie's Lips ;) Its such a terrible sight to see lip stick painted on lips that are dry and chapped. Chapped lips are a sign of a lack of care. Your puckers are very important Ladies. I don't think i have to emphasize much more.


Apply some Vaseline right before you go to bed and you will wake up each morning with a ready to go, kissable pout.


Time taken : 3 mins


4. Paint on some strengthening nail polish




Who wouldn't want strong pretty nails? But the most common problem ladies seem to face is dry brittle nails. When you get a manicure or DIY paint weak nails, chances are, within the first few days, at least one nail would have broken. What is the point right?


Paint on some Strengthening Nail Polish as an undercoat or just leave it alone for some natural shine on your nails. Get one that is closest to your skin colour or just clear. This way, you need not worry about smudges.


Glossy Nails are an instant Glam Booster.


Time taken: 4 mins


5. Clean up the eyebrows




I know most of us just wait for maybe 2 weeks and then walk into our nearby saloon to get a fix on our eyebrows. But really, its just kinda funny looking to see the signs of a perfectly arched brow and then some little hairs sticking our in funny places. ;)


Use a tweezer and just pluck out the tiny hairs growing. This way, you'll be able to forgo the Saloon for a while longer while still looking polished and neat.


CAUTION: DO not go wild with the tweezers. Just pluck out the stray hairs. Do not alter the shape of your brow if you are not used to plucking your own brows. Trust me, the effect is never the same.


Time Taken : 3 mins


So there you go. 5 things that take less then 5 mins that, if done, make all the difference ;)



Tuesday 5 July 2011

Which City Best Represents Your Style?


Quiz: Which City Best Represents Your Style?





Just take the fun quiz below to find out which city best represents your personal style. If you take the quiz here on the site, the widget will automatically total up your answers for you. If you print the quiz, total up the letters you got and find which one you selected the most. Once you get your answer, find your letter and corresponding result below for a sample outfit based on your personality type.

Quiz: Which City Best Represents Your Style?

Mostly A’s: Los Angeles


Typical LA fashion draws inspiration from hipster, rocker, and bohemian trends, combining them with today’s styles for a look that’s both laid-back and fashion-forward.
Because of the hot summers, as well as LA fashion’s casual feel, denim cutoffs and neutral sandals are wardrobe staples here in Southern California. I love pairing these basics with a sleeveless button-up top and a snakeskin belt, like those seen above. To complete the look, accessorize with a straw fedora and some feather-inspired earrings. (The feather hair trend is HUGE at my school right now, and earrings are a non-committal way to try the look.) Finish with some fun red sunglasses to give the outfit a pop of color as well as the playful feel associated with the LA lifestyle.

Mostly B’s: New York City


New York City is another trendsetting city, known as a world “fashion capital”. While the city’s diverse population draws inspiration from many different styles, the city has an edgy, gritty vibe that always makes me think of an updated rocker aesthetic.
This printed romper is perfect for the hot NYC summers. Add extra pizazz with a cool statement necklace like the one above. A small cross-body bag with chain detailing is perfect for storing away your essentials while running around the city, and flat moto boots allow you to do so comfortably. Finally, add on a pair of retro-inspired sunglasses to complete your ensemble.

Mostly C’s: Paris


Paris is another city known for its fashion sense, specifically for pieces that are feminine, elegant, and timeless. As the home of Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent (just to name a few), these key elements of Parisian fashion should not be too surprising.
Getting a Parisian-inspired look is so easy. There is nothing more classic than a blazer, however one that is blush colored is a refreshing and fun way to update the look for summer. Pair it with a crisp white, ruffled blouse and a simple black, A-line skirt. Pretty accessories such as a small black cross body bag with a pretty bow, blush colored ballet flats, and timeless shades add to the simple and classic look that has made Parisian fashion famous.

Mostly D’s: Tokyo

Over the past few decades, Tokyo style (known for its loud pairings of patterns, colors and unique accessories) has made a name for itself in the fashion world.
Start your Tokyo-inspired look with a funky top; this one, with stripes that face different directions, makes it easy to get the mixed prints feel. A black blazer and gray wedges help balance out the casual feel of denim cutoffs. To finish the look, it is important to incorporate standout accessories. Unique brooches like the ones seen above can be worn on the lapel of the blazer to give your look a one-of-a-kind flair. Tokyo fashion is also famous for incorporating unique legwear, and these gray ombre tights are just that. Bows are another popular trend in Tokyo streetwear, so this red polka-dot hair clip represents the cherry on top of this Tokyo-inspired outfit.