Let Your Shoes Do The Talking

 At a Dholki last night I met a pair of purple Ninewest pumps that did all the talking and had me entertained the entire time. I tried and tried to find that shoe online but to no avail. I did however find a very similar looking pair and I have put a picture of that below so you can relate to my excitement.

Long gone are the days when women believed in a practical pair of black shoes that went with everything you owned in your closest. Shoes are now available in every style, color, print and texture and complement the outfit like never before.

What does a pair of shoe mean for lady? The words of the famous designer shoemaker Manolo Blahnik ‘You put high heels on and you change’ answers that question for us. Shoes are undeniably an integral part of your outfit and a reflection of your personality.

Keeping this in mind I did a little research and found that the shoe style that is predominant in your collection represents certain aspects of your personality.  So in this post I would highlight the different styles of shoes and the aspect of your personality they represent 

Ballet Flats

Wearers of these are soft spoken, feminine and comfortable in their skins.  Other character traits include an active personality and some one that can adjust to all circumstances. Fashionable and confident ballet flats represent a combination of trendiness with comfort.

Flip flops

Energetic, youthful, casual and carefree are the dominant personality traits. These people are fun and laidback, and take life as it comes.

Sneakers

Wearer of these is cool headed, relaxed and practical. They represent a sporty personality combined with a spontaneous attitude.

Flats

Flats make you look trendy. It depicts that you are energetic and open minded. They also represent independent decision making ability and the desire to give importance to comfort while being fashionable at the same time. 

Wedges

These people are stylish and trendy.  Because wedge is a style that comes and go, the wearers of these are those that keep up with the trends as they arrive and are fashion conscious.

Stilettos

Those who love wearing Stilettos have a personality of one that likes being center of attraction all the time. It says that you have an outgoing personality. Feminine and sexy these shoes ooze confidence with every step.

 So which shoe represents your personality best? :)

Winter Must Haves

As the cold weather descends on us in chilly waves we are all having a bit of wardrobe crisis everyday trying to decide what is the coolest ( no pun intended) way to keep warm! Normally deep, dark colours and woolly woven items are recommended. However in this post I am here to tell you of ways that you can stand OUT in the sea of all those greys and blacks!

Go Pastel

Pretty pastels like powder blue, peach, pink and lavenders are the perfect cheerful colours that can make you stand out and act as an instant mood lifter!

Go for a Shawl Collared Sweater

These ultra feminine cosy sweaters are a MUST have for this season! The best thing about them is that they are made of this light weight material that adds to the style without the bulk. Wear them in bright blues or baby pinks ..this versatile style is made for everyone!

Belt It Well

The belt trend has been around for awhile and it doesn't look like its going anywhere any time soon! I would recommend you to be careful with your choice of belt keeping your shape in mind. For the skinny, petite girls out there a wider belt would look great and for those roundish figures a thinner, sleeker belt is recommended.

Go Victorian!

The noticeable trend for cloaks and capes came around the Victorian era. It has been in and out since then but this year its back for sure! Call it capes or ponchos..the end result is uber chic.

Multiple layers and multiple chains

No look is complete without proper accessories. As you add on the layers make sure you don't forget to pack some chains around your neck. Be it pearls, stones, simple silver or gold chains add up the layers in all lengths and sizes to completer the look. 

Happy Winters to all :)

Trend Alert- What we can learn from the Karachi Fashion Week

The second PFDC Karachi Fashion Week took place at a local club from 10 to 13 November. The four day event gave opportunity to 24 designers to show case their spring/ Summer 2011 Prêt-à-Porter collections. The designers got together for a charitable initiative ‘Fashion Gives Back’ in which some designers had their clothes sold at 40% discount to gather funds for the flood refugees.

The collection of almost every designer was a wonderful composition of international style trends aligning with the local. Here I have collected a list of the most dominant trends from the fashion week that would be easy to adopt by all the fashionably conscious females out there!

Trend # 1:

Jeweled Necklines

 It was amazing to see how designers brought sparkle and the oomph factor on the ramp by incorporating embellishments like pearls, gold chains, Swarovski Crystals and stones that made the neckline look like gorgeous necklaces!

Trend # 2

Lots of volume!

Just when the speculation had started that the structured shirts are going to make a fast come back we see volume and flow in almost every collection! Use of materials like chiffon, light silks, cottons and georgettes was predominant. Volumes of fabric used gave the clothes a sophisticated yet sensual feel.

Trend # 3

3 Ps- Panels, Pleats and Poise

It is time to delve deep in feminine and fluid cuts. Light weight materials ideal for summer can be used to make elegant paneled shirts in subtle hues. Detailing done with bright and rich tones of fabric can make any outfit stand out. If you want to stand out in your simplicity, use of pleats can create an effortless look.

Trend # 4

Sheer fabric and printed lining

This is something I just noticed in Asifa and Nabeel’s collection but I am seriously hoping this trend which has been predominant in India for quite some time catches on here too! Dark tones with lighter shades of printed lining and vice versa are extremely contemporary and very chic.

Trend # 5

Bring back the Folk”.

 From Kamiar Roknis collection ‘Folkistan’ to Akif Mahmoods  ‘Kolors of Kafiristan’  we saw many designers seek inspiration from Pakistan’s various folk crafts and cultural influences. Local fabrics with traditional checks and stripes in cotton, khaadi and sussi and were embellished in thread work inspired by folk appliqués of regional materials. The overall effect was a perfect blend of rural art with a contemporary twist.

Trend # 6

Grey and Teal are the new Black

We saw many designers play with these colors many of us shy away from! Majority of the people believe the drabness of grey would be a downer; little do they know that this color infused with a punch of silver and white would be anything but dull. For those still not convinced; teal in all shades would be a perfect option. It a fresh color to brighten up your wardrobe!

Wedding season is in full swing! Every week I am hearing about some wedding or other. And as the important dates approach there is a lot of talk about the wardrobe crisis many of us are feeling. For the past few days I have heard many go like;

 ‘The new Gul Ahmed magazine had short shirts! Does that mean they are back?’

And...

‘I saw the Nomi Ansari collection on Style 360 and all outfits had choridars and I have none!'

 I observed that there is major confusion amongst the stylistas about what style and shirt lengths are actually “IN”. So I decided to write a bit about what I think this wedding season means for us all in terms of the latest trends.

Firstly ladies I like to happily propagate that every shirt length would do great this season. From extra long bellowing gown- like shirts to super short shirts; everything goes!

Secondly more than style it’s the occasion that should be kept more in mind. Nobody would think you are the next big thing to hit the fashion world if you come to a Valima in a bright yellow pattiyala shalwar and a short green kameez! However for a Mayun function that is a look you can carry with panache.

The styles we have been seeing a lot in magazines and on the runway include panels and pleats and this is something that would carry forward to the next year paired with lose ijars or choridars.

The only thing I would emphasize is the choice of colors and accessories. There are many that are hooked to blacks and red because it makes them look thin or fair and what not. I say please play around with the many colors we are blessed with. Jewel tones, especially shades of orange and green are gorgeous and flattering on every skin tone so why not try them out.

Accessories can literally make or break an outfit. One cardinal rule that most people break is donning every piece of jewelry you can wear. Please use the bling sparingly. If you are wearing one statement necklace leave your ears bear or if you are choosing long chandelier earrings do NOT over do with necklaces and multiple rings.

End of the day your style is an extension of your personality and what everyone needs to do is embrace it with confidence. That’s a trend that would never go out of fashion :)

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.

Inspired by these famous words said by one such Coco Chanel I decided to put words to my many many thoughts and share them with those that would listen. Fashion is my passion..and as mundane as that sounds it would be surprising to many how much time I devote to it. To me its not about making a statement but to use it as a medium of self expression. What you wear says everything about you and for anybody and everybody who has an eye for it would realize a lot more about you than perhaps your are willing to share.

My fascination with fashion started young when I accompanied my mom and aunt around various fashion houses of our local style icons like Bunto Kazmi and Faiza Samee.The dedication and sheer brilliance of these women can never be described ..its like they are born to design and make woman feel gorgeous.

 The fashion industry of Pakistan is thriving like never before and providing many platforms for veteran designers and passionate amateurs to showcase their talent and give them the needed exposure.I too started by own pret line by the name of Huez with fellow friends Rimsha Siddique and Maryam Dosani with the aim of playing our own little  part in styling the women of today. And we like many others hope to be admitted to the hall of fame for style icons one day :)

The purpose for this blog would be to share my views about the latest happenings in the Pakistani fashion world; I would be talking latest trends, reviewing the exhibitions happening around,visiting existing and new shops opening around  Karachi and share my views with you. 

To kick things off I am posting this video of the Pakistan Fashion Design Council Sunsilk Fashion Week 2010 that highlights the trends that we would predominantly see till the end of this year. Happy viewing! :)