powder puff girl

Whenever pastels are on the fashion horizon, like now, I’m one part fascinated by their preciousness and three parts terrified of looking like an Easter egg. 

 While I love light neutrals and blush tones, there’s something so powdery, prim, and Jordan Almond-y about true pastels. I think: cupcakes and babies and Palm Beach. I think: good God, my skin will look grey! If you have similar concerns, here are a few ways to wear the trend without looking frou-frou or washed out.

The Pastel Spectrum

The first step is to determine where you fall on the pastel-flatter spectrum. If you have a fair complexion with pink undertones, then pastels are your friend. Very deep or dark brown skin tones also look fantastic in light colors. Those in between, with medium skin and olive or golden undertones, have to be a little smarter about how we wear our pastels; otherwise we risk looking ashy. A good rule of thumb is if anything makes you look corpse-y, just say no. Conversely, wear more concealer and blush to even out your skin tone and minimizes sallowness.

fleur

Floral motifs are one of those patterns that, though their appeal may wane from time to time, never really go away. Across cultures, across seasons, flowers are that quintessential feminine print found in saris, kimonos, embroidered peasant tops, you name it. This spring, incorporate florals into your everyday wardrobe in a way that’s utterly 2012.

twinkle toes

This season it’s all about gold, silver, and bronze shoes. Whether it’s just a hint at the heel or an all-out gilding, metallics are a must-have in the shoe department; they add pop to basic outfits while complementing bolder pieces, and best of all, there’s a metallic shoe option for everyone.

Heel
So you want to be “all business in the front and party in the back”? Look for a pump, wedge, or even a flat with a metallic heel. The tiny bit of gleam means it’s appropriate for work, easy to wear, and you get to make your exit in style.

Toe
If you aren’t afraid to add a little more flash to your look, opt for a shiny cap-toe. My favorites are on round toe ballet flats or low-heeled pumps, but a cap-toe also looks sharp on pointy heels.

Strap
Amp up your outfit further with a metallic/leather strappy sandal. The best ones this season are chunky and 90s-looking with wooden block heels and buckles—all of which are entirely fitting for daytime wear.

All Over
Really want to shine? Rock your glitter pumps, metal mesh sandals, and yes, even your gold python heels, day or night.

Read the full article at divanee.com.

south asian style

South Asian American designers made waves at New York Fashion Week. Here’s a look at what they showed for Fall 2012.

Naeem Khan

For his latest collection, noted eveningwear designer Naeem Khan turned to his native India for inspiration. More casual paisley print dresses opened the show and segued to black and white graphic print gowns and cocktail dresses. The collection ended with the slew of glittering, beaded showstoppers we’ve come to expect of Khan—just in time for the Oscars.

shorts story

Tired of skinny jeans, miniskirts, and shift dresses? Well, there’s a new guy in town. Winter legs, meet shorts. Formerly relegated to days on the beach, shorts are now an all-year wardrobe staple for those young enough and confident enough to try the trend and, ultimately, revel in all its leggy glory.

If you’re one of the fearless few, read on for tips on how to look more chic than schleppy as you navigate this schizophrenic winter-spring transition known as March. 

turtlenecking

We’ve all made hideous fashion missteps. Peace chokers? What was I thinking? Low-rise jeans down to there? Thanks, Britney. My multitude of fashion faux pas still rankle, often years later, but nothing more so than the dreaded turtleneck. Mother dear, as many a conscientious mom, forced her young daughter to wear a turtleneck underneath all of her clothing—from September to April. (And I grew up in sunny California!) Whether it was beneath a taffeta ruffled dress for a choir recital or a bulky cable knit sweater for 2nd grade picture day, the turtleneck reigned supreme in my wardrobe.

style.com

When other elementary-aged girls wore pretty cardigans over smart pleated dresses, my insides coiled with jealousy. I regarded my well-intentioned mum as a fashion saboteur. Until this fall, that is. What a visionary! Some twenty years on, I finally realize she was on to something. Turtlenecks, in all their geeky glory, are back on the fashion radar. Designers showed them for fall 2012 layered underneath mod tops, filmy dresses and voluminous outerwear; and fashionistas soon followed suit.

This season, try incorporating the minimalist chic of a turtleneck into your own wardrobe, whether it’s as a key layering-piece worn under your spring dresses or a stand alone top when you want more coverage. Read on for three smart ways to sport the style:

galacticmauve.com

 On its own

A lean, black turtleneck tucked into slouchy wool or leather pants not only looks modern, it’s also slimming. Keep your accessories sleek and minimal like a shoulder flap bag and pointy pumps.

chicsheet.blogspot

Beneath a top

Layer a long-sleeved white turtleneck under a crewneck pullover for a bit of 60s chic. Make sure several inches of white sleeve peak out from underneath so the look reads as intentional. Pair with skinny pants and delicate heels for the most current feel.

glamour.com

Under a dress

Perhaps the most unexpected way to wear a turtleneck is beneath a dress. To avoid looking like a cheerleader, wear a sheer high neck under a drapey, short-sleeved dress that skims the knee. Keep the look sophisticated with tall black boots and an envelope clutch.

And if you have a young fashionista-in-training of your own, get her started early on the turtleneck trend. She might gripe and moan, but she’ll be en vogue— and as bundled up as any desi mom could hope for! Just ask mine.

a scarf for all seasons

We're at that weird winter-spring transition where one day it's freeeeezing and the next you might as well go lay out on the beach. So what wardrobe feature gets you through that? The scarf! Here are my three favorite types— scarves that say “wow” while keeping you warm.

The Snood

Snoods have been around since the 1800s but only made their 21st century debut a few years ago. Despite the hideous name, a snood is a versatile little accessory that looks lovely on most everyone. Essentially a tubular scarf, it can be worn around the neck as a giant collar or pulled over the head like a hood for added flair. If it’s wide enough, you can pull it down around your shoulders for a shawled or caped effect. With no messy ends to deal with or tuck into your coat, a snood is a sophisticated alternative to the traditional scarf. 

The Chunky Knit

If you like a scarf with volume, envelop yourself in a chunky knit scarf this season. Cozy and oh-so-Aspen-chic, a chunky scarf looks more luxe than its anemic cousins and effortlessly adds oomph to a blah winter outfit. My favorite way to wear one is to either circle it around my neck multiple times to form a cocoon or wrap it loosely once and let the ends hang long. Avoid chunky scarves if you’re concerned about a short neck or adding bulk to your frame, but otherwise it works with most outfits and styles.

The Bold Print

While I can’t stop raving about my obsession with varied prints, for those of you who don’t want to invest in the bold colors and patterns of the season, a scarf is an easy, low-commitment way to make an impact. Choose from the plethora of leopard or southwestern prints currently available in stores or opt for a pop of neon around your neck. Personally, my favorite printed scarves these days are traditional plaids in rich shades of green and red and African tribal prints in unexpected colors like chartreuse and indigo. Since a scarf is so close to your face, just make sure to stick with hues that enhance your complexion.

pretty paisley

My article featured on South Asian lifestyle magazine Divanee.com on the "newest" print popping up all over town:

collage created using polyvore.com

I’m pretty prints obsessed and always looking for a new one to spice up my wardrobe. Over the years there’s been more than a passing fancy with tribal, leopard, floral, graphic, ikat, painterly, you name it. Bar camo, I think I’ve tried them all.  But the print currently on my mind is rather closer to home.

Paisley, showcased so heavily in the intricate gold and silver thread work of subcontinental garments, is the print that won’t quit. The epitome of traditional elegance in South Asia, this pattern is now making the rounds among style setters across the globe, and into the wardrobe rotation of yours truly. 

Origins and history

The teardrop-shaped paisley print originated in India and Iran over 1500 years ago and is still commonly featured in the rugs, textiles, jewelry and garden landscaping of that region. Thought to derive from such botanical influences as flower petals, cypress trees, and mangoes, paisley was originally associated with the Hindu and Zoroastrian traditions before it made its debut on the world stage in the 17^th century.

zara.com

Traders from the east introduced paisley print in Europe to much acclaim, and by the 1800s there was a huge demand for textiles featuring the pattern, especially after English soldiers returned from the colonies bearing gifts of finely-woven shawls from Kashmir (cashmere). In fact, the word paisley derives from the Scottish town of the same name, which became known for its production of the patterned shawls. In Farsi and Urdu the words used are boteh or buti; and in Punjabi, as I grew up hearing it, paisley is referred to as ambian, from amb, the Punjabi word for mango.

From woven shawls to cotton bandanas and men’s silk ties, paisley seamlessly entered the West’s modern style consciousness. It experienced a major moment in the 1960s and 70s when an interest in Indian spirituality surfaced, propelled by the Beatles visit to India in 1968. Thereafter, the print took on a life of its own with the hippie counterculture, and the rest is history.

jcrew.com

Wear it today

In its modern iteration, paisley print is no longer about flowing caftans, braids, and incense. Rather, major retailers J. Crew, Zara, and Topshop are featuring it in stores, while design houses like Thakoon, Oscar de la Renta, and Chloe have explored it in their recent collections.

To wear the “ethnic” print in an unexpected, preppy fashion, try a paisley chiffon blouse with a classic schoolboy blazer, cropped skinny pants and menswear-inspired slippers.  Or pair a printed pencil skirt with a bright turtleneck and pumps for a more professional look. And if all else fails, sneak into your mom’s closet for her embroidered ambian-wali cashmere shawl. You’ll look so 2011.

sweet skimmers

While I adore heels as much as the next girl (but slightly less than your average dude), they don't make a daily appearance in my life. At work, I'm on my feet all day. After work, well, I live in casual Cali where heels are definitely optional. Instead of despairing and letting this kill my fashion mojo, I've wholeheartedly embraced flats and decided I will not let them impede my fashionability one bit. Lucky for me, and anyone else who wants to be comfy + cute, we have loads of options to choose from!

The past two years, I was all about menswear-inspired loafers, boat shoes, and moccasins; but this year, I'm channeling my more lady-like side. (It happens once in a while). I'm loving dainty little flats with bows, glitter, leopard print, and embellishments. Take a look at my round-up and tell me what you think! xo

trend alert: woven bags

Tribal print is one of those trends that comes and goes pretty consistently, so much so that it's basically a perennial classic. I mean, who doesn't want to feel like they're on vacation in some exotic locale?

But this look is not just for floaty caftans and swimsuit coverups. The tribal look has infiltrated the highest echelons of the handbag industry-- in the shape of woven satchels and cross bodies that are guaranteed to spruce up your wardrobe.

tommy ton

You may be wary of matching these bags with the rest of your outfit, but the freshest way to wear them is to simply think of them as neutral accessories. Woven multi-color bags go with everything. For my part, I love a good print mix-and-match. I tend to favor preppy wear, so throwing in some tribal print with my stripes and bold colors adds a little unexpected oomph. Feel free to pair with your favorite leopard, floral or paisley prints as well.

Here's how I might wear this Burberry Prorsum woven bag to work, no hippy beachy vibe to be had: wide leg trousers, a bow blouse under a cropped gray sweater, with high-heeled loafers and stacked bangles. 

polyvore

So what do you think? Who's already wearing this look? I'd love to hear how you've incorporated it into your wardrobe.