Sneak into Sneakers

Sneakers were once only for the gym, basketball players and anyone under the age of 12 — but not anymore.

The sneaker has taken on a new avatar and is a great way to make a fashion statement. Look how fashion designer Sidney has taken on life outside the gym in the right pair of sneaker.


Go classic
Classic sneakers are the kind of shoes that can be worn with anything. And by classic, we are talking about the basic, low-cut lace-up without any glitz. One simple colour goes with everything from jeans to a tailored trouser. You can dress it up with a blazer or keep it totally easy with a pair of shorts to beat the summer heat.

Skip the socks
Socks and sneakers seem like a match made in heaven. Shoving your foot into a sneaker without socks can turn things into a sweaty mess. However, visible ankle socks, or even worse, a tube sock, can turn a mature, cohesive look into a kindergarten style. Low-cut socks that are not seen is the way out.


Roll it up
Once you have mastered the art of wearing unnoticeable socks, feel free to go for a pair of cropped trousers or roll up your denim jeans. Create a hem that ends slightly above the edge of the shoe to reveal a tiny bit of ankle. It creates a tailored silhouette that focuses attention on your shoes.


All that glitters isn't gold
Perhaps the worst culprit of all is the over-designed sneaker. Avoid sneakers with colour combinations bright and awkward enough to compete with the deadliest of poison dart frogs.

Lazy style

A meeting beckons and you're in no mood to make an effort to tog up. These stylish ladies come to your rescue
Dressing up can be a chore at times. Especially when you are compelled to look your sparkling best even as you rush from one deadline to another and you don't have the luxury of a stylist to coordinate your every stylish move. Here's where you need to have some simple tricks up your sleeve. A saviour outfit in your closet, a careless accessory here, a bit of touch up there...and you are ready to take on the world.

A multitude of thin link chains that don't look as obvious as a statement piece is my go-to piece of accessory.

It's bright, but neutral enough to go with most other clothes in my wardrobe. My most important trick is to dab the inside corners of my eyes with a little silver shadow that immediately brightens tired eyes.

I just slip into a jumpsuit! It could be a classic white one, which I would embellish with beads and accessories, or even one in a nice print. They are loose and flowy, hence very comfortable and stylish at the same time. I am tall so they add to my frame and I always receive compliments when I wear them.

I just head to a parlour for a quick blow-dry or iron which immediately makes me feel smart. Then I put on heels which make me feel professional and a good watch, which gives me the confidence I need, even if I'm not feeling so great. I've recently bought a Guess watch which arms me well to face the world.

 

I rely on a pair of dark blue or black skinny jeans, which make me look slim and tall, and a shrug. A shrug always looks co-ordinated and gives a semi-formal look. I team it with any old tank or spaghetti and I don't really have to worry about co-ordinating.

Tips on Bridal makeup

IT'S A cliche but it's true, every girl has dreamt of being a blushing bride on her wedding day. Unfortunately, more often than not girls tend to go overboard on their wedding; whether it's the make-up or the outfit, sadly turning the dream into a garish nightmare. Loud make-up, flashy jewellery, gaudy ensembles and tasteless accessories often leave the bride resembling a vulgar and ostentatious tent, even more so when both have been colour coordinated to suit the 'theme'. If pristine innocence and beauty is the ultimate goal, then it's better to go au naturel rather than shamelessly done up. Let us not forget the groom is making a lifelong commitment to love and protect YOU, not some random girl at the altar that he can hardly recognise.

It's hard to control the excitement, the jitters and that overwhelming knot in the stomach on your D-day, and by all means enjoy that, if you're lucky it's a once in a lifetime experience. However some things, like the way one looks can be controlled so please exercise that right and take charge.

Doll up to woo the love of your life, play Barbie if you have to but stay away from playing gremlin. It's bad enough your friends can't sue you for being bridezilla, you don't want your groom to sue you for deception or give you the third degree on your honeymoon.

"Care is better than cure, the natural look is really in and thus skin care and a healthy complexion is very important."

1. Follow the "Five golden rules": Cleansing, toning, moisturising, sunscreen and weekly facepack. The face pack should be applied in a professional salon according to skin type, as normal face packs can cause dehydration, breakouts and dryness.

2. Monthly facial by a professional is important to remove dry and dead skin and keep the skin glowing. Face massage is a must, as it makes the skin plump, removing stress and stress lines.

3. Professional guidance is better than home remedies. Use tried and tested products. Drink lots of water and eat fruit, including fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C and E.

4. Eyes: Bold eyebrows create a frame, use a brown pencil instead of black for a soft effect. White liner applied inside the eye makes small eyes look bigger. Bright shadow on the inner corner of eyelids widens out close set eyes. Use shadows like lilac and purple that are soft. Avoid coloured contact lenses.

5. Lips: Apply lots of balm to keep lips moist and plump. Juicy colours are a big hit this season, use colours like orange, citrus and peaches.

6. Face: Use a base that matches your skin tone and that blends well with your skin type. Compact is important to keep the skin non greasy. Foundation should be well blended. Lastly use blush to enhance your bone structure and get that natural flush.

7. Hair: For hair care one should regularly apply oil and conditioners. Also avoid excessive hair treatments. Stick with natural hair colour and don't make any drastic changes like cuts, perm or colour, stick to simple styling.

8. Brides-to-be should ideally opt for trial make-up sessions, so that they can see what suits them and there are no last minute blunders. The complete look should be planned ahead of time, including coordinating the make-up, hair and ensembles. Dress in outfits that are flattering and complimenting, there's no point being skinny and then adding pounds in a thirty kilo lehenga or turning glowing skin into pancake.