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Travelon Deluxe Train Case

LisaK — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 23:11:19 -0800

A little small but a great bag to hold all your makeup. Comes in Pink

Complete Healthy Feet Kit

audreystar — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 19:38:29 -0800

Tarte lights, camera, splashes! mascara, $18

bellasugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:28:42 -0800

If your friend swears like a sailor, she'll like this nautical-themed mascara.

Amazon.com: Brandi Carlile: Music: Brandi Carlile

Whiplash — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:06:10 -0800

Brandi Carlisle - s/t

Challenge #2 - Jo Malone - Orange Blossom

CAcyclegirl — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 11:02:04 -0800

Inspired by a stay at a hotel in Bel Air, Orange Blossom is pure delight. The scent of clementine leaves in the morning dew sparkles above a heart of orange blossom and water lily, transporting the wearer to a garden oasis.

This just smells so good - I love it but it's expensive!

Nivea Creme

FabSugar — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 21:38:52 -0800

Hairstyles for Prom - Romantic Prom Hairstyles Pictures - Christina Aguilera

malzie89 — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 07:51:29 -0800

if i decide on an updo...i like something like this...anyother ideas?

Nars Night Owl Collection

audreystar — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 18:39:04 -0800

I love Nars. Not sure I could pull off these colors but they are totally fabulous.

Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara

atoxicsparkle — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 21:17:48 -0800

This mascara lives up to it's name, it is truly bad azz! You have to get used to the giant wand at first, but this jet black mascara brings out the pow in your lashes. Doesn't clump and washes off with soap and water!

Vera Wang - Truly Pink EDP/3.4oz - Saks.com

FabSugar — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:22:12 -0800

Macy*s - Shoes - Kitson "Hollywood" Logo Patchwork Sneaker

LisaK — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 12:08:52 -0800

Check these out!! On sale too

Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow

LisaK — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 12:26:54 -0800

Check out all the colors!!

Spring Break Wish List: Hard Candy Eye Shadow Quartet - Suede

atoxicsparkle — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 22:54:37 -0800

Frederic Fekkai Winter Hair Anti Static Weightless Mist

FabSugar — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 21:01:03 -0800

Diptyque Baies Candle

dailyobsession — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 14:45:27 -0800

The ultimate best-smelling candle I've come across

Paul & Joe Mascara Duo - $26.00 ( I hear this mascara is pretty awesome! )

justjaime27 — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:23:32 -0800

Paul & Joe
Mascara Duo

A moisture rich double ended mascara. Apply one end for added length and the other for volume.

Noir 01 (black)
Item # 733535
$26

Serums, Serums Everywhere! Part I: Lifting & Energizing | FABSUGAR

DearSugar — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 15:29:13 -0800

I love the way this serum feels on my face!

Bath & Body Works - 100% Natural Beeswax Lip Balm - Honey Lemon

JessNess — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 21:17:54 -0800

Spring Break Wish List: Too Faced Candy Bars

atoxicsparkle — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 22:52:47 -0800

Sephora Matte Blotting Film

PopSugar — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 21:41:24 -0700

Excess oil and shininess on the nose, forehead or cheeks got you down? Sephora to the rescue. Made from a unique, absorbent, microporus film, our soft, blotting sheets instantly whisk away shine without disturbing makeup. The finish is fresh and matte - never dry.

Fashion and Lifestyle

Shweta Sinha — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 05:25:12 -0700

FASHION IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT’S A SYMBOLIC MEANS OF SELF-EXPRESSION. IT REFLECTS A PERSON’S ATTITUDE AND ONE CAN ROCK THE WORLD WITH AN INDIVIDUALISED STYLE STATEMENT

Fashion is a state of mind. The word comes from Latin facere, ‘to make’. Fashion is most commonly associated with clothing, but it can be anything from interiors to footwear, from eye wear to head gear, from hair style to accessories. It’s, basically, personal style combined with comfort. To one person it could mean simplicity, to another, glamour or modernity.
Fashion remains popular for the period of time that a large segment of society accepts it, which could be from a few months to several years. Its flavors, however, do change according to the season, demand and international trends. Yet although fashion keeps changing it sometimes keeps repeating too.
Fashion was essentially a western phenomenon. It was meant for the elite. But as another generation was exposed to the vision of the 21st century, and India opened up to the West, there came a need to establish a unique Indian identity. Thus was born the idea of taking traditional Indian fabrics and styles, and blending them with western cuts and lines to appeal to a larger section as well as the masses. As a result, fashion has moved out of select circles and gained acceptance even in the most conservative households of India.

Evolution of fashion

Fashion arguable began the day Eve and Adam covered themselves with fig leaves. Indian fashion on the other hand evolved through necessity. Inclined to spiritual existence, clothing here developed as a response to religion and climate. Hence, Indian fashion tended to become a cultural and tribal identity.
Much has changed and evolved in the history of fashion in the 1900’s. It’s an inspiring and striking journey with detours aplenty from the flapper girls of the 20s who showed disdain for conventional dress and behavior, to the sheer elegance of Maharani Gayatri Devi’s pastel chiffon saris, to the innocent candy coloured dressed of ‘50s Americana, to the dark, stylish and pared down dressing of the 90s. Each decade of this century ushered greater progress. During the 20s, one of the greatest influences on dress code was the movement towards equal status for women. Hence, new kinds of business-like women emerged and made subsequent demands on their dress. In India, the fashion scenario was in confusion as it was an unstable period. Thus fashion trends were strongly influenced by the British, with the result that western clothes became a status symbol.

In the 30s, as the spirit of socialism and communism ran high, women’s fashion became more and more feminine. However, this period also saw the culture of cabaret, hence dresses became more body hugging and their colours ran dark and deep. The establishment of Indian cinema also proved to be the strongest influence on fashion in the decade.
In the ‘40s, we see the pinched waist and hips emphasized with short fluted jackets. It was also a decade marked by World War II and, shortly thereafter, Independence for India, with the result that women’s clothing was generally simply and functional. In the 50s, silhouette, narrow waist and balloon skirts and bouncing patterns were the craze abroad.
The 60s saw extensive fashion and lifestyle changes. New types of materials such as plastic film and coated polyester fabrics became popular. Tight kurtas with churidars and miniskirts became fashionable. The era also ushered in the age of synthetics. The heavily bordered sari gave way to printed nylons and polyesters. Nevertheless, in 1964 the sari made a dramatic comeback with a whole new look, worn below the navel and draped tightly around the body to accentuate curves, while salwars were replaced with nylon stretch pants. “The 70s are called the ‘me decade’ as retro fashion became trendy,” says designer Manav Gangwani. “It was a period of ‘anything goes’ culture, with the result that fashion became more expressive. Form and bold colours with flower prints were adapted in tunics and with shirts.”
In the 80s silhouettes became more masculine and the salwar kameez was designed with shoulder pads. Also, the corporate look started becoming dominant. Teenagers began looking for trendier styles. In the 90s fashion power was captured by a younger generation of designers who turned towards the culture of Indian weaving. Consequently, ethnic looks emerged along with an appreciation for aesthetic beauty and contemporary appearance.

Contemporary but traditional

In today’s lifestyle where a large segment of society has become fashion conscious, the demand for ethnic Indian clothes has increased. Given our obsession with international designers and imported wear, it is remarkable that the ethnic look is finding favor among people who speak the language of global fashion.
Designer Ritu Kumar who is known for reviving the tradition and culture of Indian weaving says, “A change has come in the thinking of fashion lovers. Earlier what was western was considered modern and what was Indian was considered outdated. The world of fashion designing is beginning to understand the richness in our craft.” In other words, experimentation and evolution of fashion in India is happening.

Futurist Fashion

Fashion pundits predict that straight-fit skinny trousers or very flared full ones, knee-length and long dresses, along with buttoned skirts and exaggerated silhouettes will make a comeback. But keeping up with fashion in summer can get a little tricky. The mantra for summer fashion is a breezy, lightweight variety in white. You can pick chiffons and satin for all-out glamour. Capri’s and cut – off pants with leather and Swarovski detailing, mini-skirts will be the hit this season. Also, this year the gypsy and ghagra look in skirts is out. We can see ‘fit and mini’ look in lycra, cotton and knit lycra.
The look will be body hugging and pencil fitted with slits in a lot of fun silhouettes. Short skirts could look very chic with metallic buttons, buckles and pockets. Pencils and knee length skirts are the craze of the season. Knee length skirts made of balance between Indian and Western sensibilities, and that is where the term Indo-Western or fusion has come from. One can wear kurtas with jeans. There can be corsets too with Indian elements. Long flowing skirts look very romantic and are a very interesting balance between Indian and western styles. The Indian fashion industry in on par now with international standards. It’s become one of the most happening and revenue generating industries in the country. People like to dress in style which is accepted globally.
Designers are also working more with international trends. Designer Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna say : “Our new collection is a global collection that would be best suited for European customers who like it simple and uncluttered. Although our dresses are inspired by the 60s, yet they are futuristic. We have tried to create a look which shows what the woman would wear in 2010.”
Says designer Surily Goel, “Polka prints are back in bright colours. The embellishments are much more toned down to suit a sober mood. You will see lots of lace, brocade and net, along with subtle self texturing.”
However, the question of adapting Western couture by Indians is still an ongoing debate. The opposite trend is more often that not missed. If Indians ape the West, so do Westerners look back into the dust of India for many an inspiration to their clothing. Paul Smith dresses down the traditional sari as sarong, while the Gautier collection on Krishna and Madonna sported the sari. Are these not proof enough that India is hot in terms of fashion?

Trends are set

To create a style, designers use five basic elements: colour, silhouette, drape, texture and line balance (or patterns on the surface of the material). The options available to designers and dressmakers in all five areas have multiplied over the years. Most fashion trends follow certain phases as they come from high profile, glamorous media down to designer collections and then to affordable street stores.

According to designer Ranna Gill, “Each season, fashion is mechanized according to a forecast. So, in a particular season if you were to walk into a retail store, prêt studio, a high-end boutique or any similar place, you will witness a reflection of the ongoing tends. For instance, if it is spring you may see a flow of blues, corals, aquamarines or whites. Or a tropical theme is seen running all over. Trends are inspired from haute couture and also from topical issues. Similarly, there could be various things they may herald a new trend- it could be the Chinese year, Olympic year, or a fabulous movie – almost anything that interests people.”
In the opinion of designer Rohit Gandhi there is a trend that develops every season depending on the mood. A lot of elements lead to it and every designer interprets this trend in his or her own way. “There may be similar elements in each creation but the presentation remains different,” he says. “Last year white and crochet were hot trends but the way every designer presented them was unique. Just the way all the models may have similar features and bodies, but the way each one carries herself on the ramp is something that sets her apart and marks her individuality. The same thing applies to fashion. It is not at all about getting repetitive or duplicating the same themes, it’s more about following a trend, in a manner that reflects.” However according to designer
Anjana Bhargava, to select theme is a very personal thing. Designers can be inspired by anything.
It’s true that trends are set by the fashion fraternity and two basic desires fuel this industry – novelty and conformity. In the present scenario where people have become fashion conscious, nearly everyone likes to wear something new. This is why we often buy clothes, not because an older garment has worn out, but simply because we want a change and want to follow trends. Over the centuries the fashion industry has catered to – and sometimes exploited – precisely this desire for novelty and conformity.

Vibrant hues

Fahsion pundits had predicted that greys, off-whites, beiges and shades of pink would dominate wardrobes this year. Check out the alternatives of sharply dazzling acid bright neon colours. The latter hues are the confident 80s bright yellow, tangerine, coral, scarlet red, purple, cobalt blue, emerald sea green and hot fuchsia pink. Yellow and gold are some of the most important colours on offer in many clothing lines this season. Says designer Sabyasachi, “As the quest for luxury deepens, gold becomes the prominent hue in fashion and lifestyle. From details in clothing and accessories to furniture, this yellow metallic shade is the next big trend.”
For singer – actor Raageshwari, gold is a source of energy as she relates it to sun. She believes that gold is capable of exuding various moods and hues. Shades of brown, bronze, and wine with bits of red, will be in. Even colours like muddy blues, foliage inspired greens, sunset oragnes, purple, accents of gold, mahogany and Carmen pinks have been used. Shades of brown and beige with butterfly impressions and feminine floral prints in shade of pink and mauves are going to add to the feminine touch.
Designer Ashima Leena says, “This time metallic silver, gold and coper surrounded by grey, charcoal and black will dominate the colour palette. Designer Kiran Uttam Ghosh believes that for summer sober colours like grey, olive, mauve and mustard look pleasing. Even colours like purples, striking black, delicate ivory, tender turquoise, intoxicating Champagne, peach and flame red add to the style and silhouette of draped garments.
Indian fashion is alive and vibrant amongst both classes and masses, whatever the decade or century, it’s here to stay. It’s comfortable, practical and its aesthetically beautiful approach has changed with time and modernized while keeping tradition alive in every aspect.

Fashion rule lifestyle

Clothing and lifestyle, the two faces of fashion, have existed in a fragile, irregular manner for thousands of years. It has changed with every season, dictated initially by individuals and later, be social, economical and political conditions. Gradually, with the extension of the media and publicity graph, fashion became an integral part of our lifestyle. As a result, everybody tried to either follow it or become dependent on lifestyle product. The dependency on lifestyle activities or artifacts usually stems from society’s perennial need for instant gratification.
Fashion designer Vidhi Singhania says, “fashion has a major impact on every sphere. It could be on your way of living, in terms of home décor, or presenting food. What you wear or the accessories you choose, fashion does rule our lifestyle. Even those people who are wedded to classicism, are inspired by fashion. We may not be slaves or addicted to fashion, but we are still influenced by it. We want to merge fashion with out clothing or whatever we like to choose to enhance our lifestyle.”
Maintaining an individual style statement is a need of the time and fashion has become a necessity which you need to feel and know.

My Favorites: Conair Ion Shine Ceramic 1875 Styler

i am elle — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 21:20:49 -0700

This is the hair dryer I currently use. Makes my hair shiny & soft, plus the cool button helps "seal" in my style after it's dry. It also comes with a diffuser attachment which is PERFECT for blow drying & creating the wavy look. I use that a lot too. Tried & true, one of Conair's bestsellers.

CHALLENGE #13: Murad Redness Therapy Soothing Gel Cleanser

SFKitkat — Wed, 23 May 2007 20:42:43 -0700

MURAD

Redness Therapy Soothing Gel Cleanser
What it is:
A patented cleansing gel that comforts and cools the skin.

What it is formulated to do:
Cleanses away impurities while helping to calm and soothe skin. Helps reduce the appearance of redness and relieves tightness and discomfort.

I love this cleanser! I have very sensitive, easily irritated, blotchy skin and this stuff thoroughly cleans my face without drying it out. And it's so refreshing too. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!

$25.00 at Sephora, Purebeauty or at the Murad website

Stila Summer Eyeshadow Trio

PopSugar — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 21:39:48 -0700

Limited edition eyeshadow palettes pressed with an exotic sundial design reminiscent of a stylish getaway on the Mexican Riviera.