Sizzling in Summer .. (er… Fashion-wise that is!)

Selecting a Special Party Dress is one of life’s most pleasurable dilemmas. Or perhaps not-so-pleasurable during Indian summers when we are literally huffing and puffing. But then it’s summer most of the time in tropical countries. So does summer for us mean hibernation from fun-n-frolic! Of course not! Or so I decided while planning my outfit for a cocktail party with friends.

Thanks to Social Media & Google, I found the solution in accessorizing. If I can’t wow with my dress, I would obviously stun friends with my accessories. And Facebook led me to RuHH by Debarpita Sen. Bold, bright, seductive and exotic, Debarpita offers something for everybody.

First of all, Indian summer entails high level of humidity. So selection of fabric is vital here.  Natural, light fabrics are absolute musts for me to let the skin breathe. The keyword is comfortable, understated, subtle sophistication.Loud colours that were so in vogue for even February parties would be deemed eye-soar in May. So I play safe and soothing with pastels, at least during the day. And perk it up with accessories. A bright clutch, color-block peep-toe shoes, or an attractive hair accessory would do the trick.

I was stunned by this foot-long silver pendant strung in natural coral slices and dark wooden flat beads by Debarpita that I could visualize pairing with a chiffon saree for an evening party to stand out from those bejeweled women. Lunch with friends could be perfect with a white chikan kurta that would set the backdrop for Debarpita’s light, chirpy and happy ‘sunflower’ collection – two side pendants hand crafted in the shape of a flower beaded with faceted and hand cut translucent Agate nuggets. Evenings make darker colors a little bearable albeit in light fabrics. Black is something I can’t give up on. But if that seems too much for you, you could choose bright shades of colors that belong to the cooler side of the palette.

The trick is to create eternal spring in your heart. Set your mood that then pick up from there to create the perfect outfit to sizzle the party. Sums up Debarpita Sen: “Choose from the simple wonders of everyday life to the panache of that special starry evening — the freshness of the winds, the energy from the storms, and the calmness and serenity from the rains.”

As for my party, Debarpita custom-made a beautiful neckpiece with coordinated earrings in back lava beads and copper beads. I paired it with a cotton-shimmer handkerchief hemmed cocktail dress in the color of oxidized silver. It truly touched my soul. There is one that would touch your heart too. Or the designer would make one for you, coz that’s what RuHH is all about – design from the soul of the artist created to touch your soul.

Jewelry & Photo Courtesy: RuHH by Debarpita Sen.

https://www.facebook.com/Jewelry.by.RuHH

http://www.jewelrybyruhh.com

A Dash of Wine Colours To Brighten Up Your Persona

 

Did you know that even about 200 years ago, women resorted to the vineyard to remove skin blemishes? Well I didn’t. That is until recently. But then I was blissfully ignorant about makeup too. A delicate touch of compact, a dash of kajal, a hurried line over the eyelids, a rub of lipstick or a glide of lip-gloss is all I thought I needed. Okay. Let’s be honest. That’s the most I could manage. The one event that changed it all was the Wine & Lifestyle studio organized by The Wine Club. That evening as Bridgette Jones, the well-known grooming professional, was giving model Tiffany a makeover, she looked like an artist transforming a blank canvas to an attractive art.

Well, I couldn’t do away with my love for wine, you know. So I thought of figuring some looks with the colours of Wine. As I read, I learnt that although Romans esteemed pale faces, a light pink on the cheeks was considered to be attractive, signifying good health. Wine dregs were used for adding that dash of colour even in ancient times. An interesting fact is that when they tried it as eye-shadow the colour did not work!

Light & Bright – White Wine

When I think of the pale white wines, the first impression that comes to my mind is the serenity of a nude natural look. Think of the chilled Rieslings. Or that bottle of Champagne in the ice bucket. Perfect for Indian summers. For a refreshed look match your foundation to the colour of your skin. To open up your eyes, use white or nude eyeliner below your eyes. Pull down gently on your under-eye and trace the line between the lower lashes and the inside rim. A shimmery white or natural colour will immediately brighten up your face. As for nude lips, you don’t need a fashionista to tell you that they are in. One look at any magazine or TV show would make you long for those light brown tawny colours that just plump up your lips.

Pretty In Pink – Rosé Wine

Pink can be soft or strong, depending on your choice. But it’s that flash of colour that has always made pink a passion of the ladies. Be it the blush wines or the pink nail-polish or lipstick – ladies never seem to have enough of pink! No wonder White Blush Zinfandel sales six times their regular counterpart in USA. Pink can give you just a flushed look, making it safe for work, or can become a bold companion, making it a hit with professionals in the glamour world. No wonder you see models in catwalks having varied shades of pink flushed over cheeks and washed over eyelids.

Bold In Orange

Orange – a pop of colour. A shade that can be bright or dusky. But always bold. Orange wine is a white wine that has spent some time in contact with its skin, giving it a slightly darker hue. The darker form of the colour is said to complement Indian complexions. But this one should be used sparingly – with caution – too much of it would spoil the show altogether. A pop of orange shadow with nude lips or bright orange lips paired with nude brown eyes will instantly add a drama. Or if you want to play safe, add a large orange flower to your hairdo and see an instant transformation.

Rendezvous In Red

 

Red is the colour for passion. Bold and beautiful. Think of a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir – love at first sight, right? It intrigues you with the colour and the levels of complexities. Red is also the colour of love. So take it to your stride. Red lips, or a hint of red on the cheeks never go out of fashion.

If you love colours, like me, I’m sure you’d want to play with them even on your skin. And reinvent a new you. Happy Colouring, ladies!

 

Image Courtesy: Google 

Step Out In Style To Explore Vineyards

So you’ve finally booked your first Vineyard Tour. Pretty excited, huh? I’m sure the journey of the grape to the bottle would fascinate you. But have you planned what to wear for the day out? Yes. Yes. I know it’s not a wedding reception or a formal dinner. And I remember what G.B. Shaw said – “A fashion is nothing but an induced epidemic.” Also, the media is full of articles on how comfort is the new buzzword in fashion.  Trust me, I’m all for comfort too. But wouldn’t a puckered eyebrow make you feel socially uncomfortable? I told you! I’m just trying to make the experience a comfortable one for you!

Subtle Sophistication Is The Key: 

Selecting your attire totally depends on the type of event you are booked for. Also keep in mind the weather, type of transportation (car, bike/cycle etc) and types of wineries. Most wineries do not have a dress code. Anything too flashy or dressy will make you feel out of place. Unless of course you are attending a grand opening of a winery, or a formal private wine tasting event. Your tour operator should be able to inform you of any such requirement. On the other hand, sweatpants or college hoodies might not befit a wine environment.

If the weather permits, make the most of it by flaunting a nice sundress, ladies! You may pick the colour of your favourite wine and dress it up. Pair it with a fashionable hat to ward off the sun. Or take out that flirty crinkled flowy skirt of yours. But, mind you, if your tour includes caves and cellars, you might prefer to have your legs covered. Jeans and slacks would be perfect that way. Pair them with a nice top or shirt for that casual but polished look.

Men, you can always go for a pair of cotton slacks or nice jeans, regardless of where you’re visiting. Khaki shorts or slacks with a belt would be acceptable too. A buttoned down oxford will never make you feel out of place. But if you are tired of wearing those to work most days, a basic t-shirt or polo shirt, make great option too.

Above all, wear colours and fabrics that can resist to or recover from stains, especially if you plan to stomp grapes. And don’t forget your goggles! Oh, and an ID too – as a proof of age for the tasting rooms.

Dress in Layers: 

Do dress in layers, especially in the summer. It may be pretty warm outside, but every winery maintains an inside temperature to ensure that the wines do not get spoiled, which may be a bit cool for you. Carry a jacket or sweater which you can resort to if needed.

Shoes: 

Girls, please bear in mind that you may have to wade through soft mud in the vineyard. So chuck those fashionable heels you were thinking of pairing with your sundress. Instead opt for something comfortable. Remember, you have to walk around or keep standing en-tour. So comfort should be the key word. Sneakers are perfectly okay in Wineries across USA. But in some other countries, it might be safe to opt for a nice leather casual shoe. Applies to the men-folk too!

Chuck anything odorous:

 

Wine is a blend of aroma and taste. Don’t let a strong perfume or cologne or after-shave reign over the stars of the tasting room – the fizzes.  It might bother others too. Gums, mints and smoking can mar the sensitiveness of your taste-buds – beware! And, ladies, lipstick smudges on stemware are not acceptable – either wear smudge-proof ones, or just let be!

Er… I’m risking being a little rude though, but, we all know that the customer is always right. It’s you who has paid for the trip. It’s you who’d buy a few bottles of wine from the wineries if you like what they serve. So you can be the way you want to be. No doubt. But keeping in mind just a few points would save you from being socially uncomfortable. Yes. Yes. I know. You are in a hurry to leave for your tour. Sure, you haven’t forgotten to tuck in your ID? Double check to be able to enjoy in the Tasting Rooms!