High Street at London Fashion Week

While I cannot begin to explain the love that was Balmain Spring 2014 RTW at Paris Fashion Week, this post is about how high street fashion is now snaking its way on to the runway. But do the clothes that are sold right from their retail outlets go as they are on to the runway? After looking at their collection and reading all about it, the answer is no. One of my all time favourite characteristically British high street brands with the finesse of designer clothing is Whistles. Spotted on everyone who matters, from Alexa Chung to the royal Duchess Kate Middleton, Whistles is known for interesting prints, clean cuts and a fine take on British fashion. The Whistles skirts I have always held the deepest love for are the midi length box pleated kinds in the palest hues of pastel.
This season was Whistles' debut of a full fledged runway show at the London Fashion Week and as much as I love myself some French designer loving on the runway, there is nothing like an upscale high street brand that makes pieces that one could actually afford. Coupled with this is the fact that I can already see the key pieces that high street brands like Whistles make, infiltrating to brands that us regular women wear. The key examples here are the slouchy pants and the cashmere sweatshirts.
A few of the key pieces from their Spring 2014 show are the ones that I am decidedly sharing with you. Take a look.

Slouchy pants, pant suits with sweatshirts, metallic separates, leather skirts, culottes in cashmere and faux fur. Whats not to love?

Images courtesy: style.com

XOXO

Pipa + Bella

As a part of Pipa + Bella's styling campaign and contest with bloggers, I was asked to create two dynamic looks with their 'Mint on the rocks' necklace, styled in two contrasting ways; the Pipa and the Bella look. The Pipa look is the classy, demure look which brings out the lady-like components in an outfit while the Bella look is the adventurous, edgy look for the woman willing to experiment and live on the edge with her sartorial choices.
Needless to say, here at FTLOFAOT, I absolutely love and enjoy styling opportunities and this one with the Mint on the rocks necklace did not disappoint either. The Pipa look I styled had my favourite classy elements, white and blazer. A white lace dress with a white blazer to give the look a classy, yet with the times feel. The block heels in the blue aztec print give the look that certain glam factor by bringing the tiniest contrast.

Wearing:
White lace dress: Zara, White blazer: Zara, Blue aztec print block heels: C/O Rooja, Nude clutch: Aldo, Mint on the rocks necklace: C/O PipaBella

The bella look that I have played with is a combination of a floral printed bustier top and slouchy peg leg trousers in a shade of camel. The idea was to play two contrasting elements against each other, the floral bustier is very beachy vintage while the pants give it a very up-on-the go feel. The look completes itself with the cobalt blue pumps and hence making it a colorful mash up in entirety.

Wearing:
Floral bustier top: Forever New (Sydney), Slouchy peg leg trousers: ASOS, Cobalt blue pumps: Michael Antonio, Tan bag: ASOS, Mint on the rocks necklace: C/O PipaBella

How you could help me win:
If you like both my versions of styling this gorgeous Mint on the Rocks necklace then I would really appreciate that you 'like' my looks right here and here and help me win. I would really appreciate it. Thank you, readers! :)

Till the next time,
XOXO

The gypsy princess

With the head chain in place and her black sheer maxi well cut, the gypsy princess decides to take over the world, one step at a time. While head chains and maang tikas have been around for decades, this Indian inspired gold piece of head gear that I decided to work is my fall accessory 101. While we predict chunky gold pieces will rule in Fall 2013, I will wear this gold chunky piece on my head, for I am the urbane gypsy princess. The filigree gold earrings with the green drops complement the head chain just enough to let the golden made up eyes add the final touch. If you have not checked out Anushree Jewels, you might want to take a look for classic Indian inspired costume jewels that totally had me in a heartbeat.

The woman who enjoys the goth fashion as much as her Indian heritage. The complete toss up between the urban woman who wears her classic black maxi and the Indian inspired gypsy who wears a head chain and punjabi jutis to bring out her complete adoration for Indian fashion. Is there something in between? An Indie goth gypsy queen who walked with a spring in her step. The belief that fashion may fade, but style comes with a deep sense of conviction. :)

Wearing:

Black sheer maxi: Fabric and made by my best friend, S.

Head piece: ASOS

Earrings: C/O Anushree Jewels

Shoes: Bought in Amritsar

Photography Courtesy: Saumya Kalra

Till the next one, 

XOXO

Clinique: all about eyes

The Clinique, All about eyes is one of Clinique's most popular eye creams. Suitable for all skin types, it claims to be a hydrating cream/get that diminishes the look of circles, shadows, lines and puffs. Also claims to extend eye make up wear. Easy to use, velvety touch cream that should be used day and night, even under make up.

Now on to what I discovered about this beauty product. While I cannot claim to comment on its effect on age lines, I have been using it for a week to work on dark circles and puffiness.
In my opinion, it does not substantially do anything to eradicate the dark circles and shadows. I did not feel a change even with regular use. Its easy to apply and dries off quickly and does temporarily work on the puffiness. I would suggest this as a product under eye make up because it serves as a sort of softening base that takes care of the puffiness.
So it comes down to these pointers:

• Works on dark circles? No for me. 
• Works on puffiness? Yes. At least temporarily.
• Use twice a day for best results. Day and night.
• Soft and easy to apply, easily gets absorbed so ideal under make up.
• I am using the miniature version, the 15 ml jar comes at a price of Rs. 1775 (INR)
• Would I buy it again? Possibly no. Unless it suddenly starts working on the dark circles which it hasn't till now.

The review is entirely my own and is not biased. I received this pack of Clinique all about eyes in a goody bag at a Clinique Event.

Till then,

XOXO