Author: Suyash Shukla

Best of hair-styling at Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’ 15: Day 3

Immaculately clenched hair, serpentine tresses, simple straight hair and gothic emo looks dominated the runway on day three at the Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’ 15. Here’s a quick look on the best hair-styling trends that were most prominent on the ramp.

#1 Tidy ponytails

Designer duo Pankaj and Nidhi opted for neat ponytails for their collection ‘Rouge Minerale’ which perfectly complimented the reds, arctic pink and sapphire blue silhouettes on the other hand designers Tanvi Kedia and Paromita Banerjee also went for neatly clenched ponytails for their traditional collections ‘Jama ’and ‘Boro part 2’ respectively.

#2 Serpentine tresses

The models looked stunning walking down the ramp for designer Rina Singh’s artistic pieces under the label ‘EKA’ and label 11.11 in open wavy tresses on the third day of the Amazon India Fashion Week.

#3 Go Emo

Designer Sanchita opted for something different by giving an ‘emo look’ to her models dressed up in leopard and floral print outfits.

#4 Open Locks

Designer Anupama Dayal presented her ethnic yet contemporary collection where models were seen wearing maang tikkas and head scarves with long front locks.

#5 Straight middle-part hair

Designer Namrata Joshipura went simple with straight middle-parted hair complementing her strong, powerful and feminine collection for her collection showcased at Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’15

March 28, 2015
Highlights of Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’ 15: Day 3

Take a look at the highlights of the third day of Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter’ 15

Day three at the Amazon India Fashion Week kicked off with designer Paromita Banerjee’s collection ‘Boro Part 2′. An extension to her previous autumn/winter’ 13 collection, this lineup showcased a beautiful amalgamation of hand-woven fabrics involving various textures, techniques and intricate designs.

Designer Tanvi Kedia’s collection ‘Jama’, represented the journey of a traveller’s adventures through India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Saris, lehengas, shararas, kurtas and skirts comprising a vivid color palette with traditional hues were the highlights of the collection.

‘Seekers Keepers’ by designer Rina Singh represented a fabulous ensemble borrowing inspiration from stories across the world, small villages, big cities, travellers, socialites and many more under the label ‘EKA’. From the purest beiges to deep mahogany, the collection displayed tremendous artwork in terms of designs and silhouettes.

Next in line was Armor by 11:11. People from all walks of life walked down the ramp in just the right shades for winter with drapes in black and gold featuring armor jackets, lace dresses and unique silhouettes.

Designer Sanchita’s line was all about celebrating the feminine spirit manifested through romantic influences along with leopard and floral prints with a hint of ikat! Clean androgynous lines combined with artisanal techniques were prominent throughout the lineup.

Taking inspiration from the monuments of Delhi, Designer Anupama Dayal presented the collection ‘Jamali Kamali’. Shades of sandstone, ecru, tones of red, ochre and of pale blue with a slight touch of a Bohemian element made this collection stand out.

Taking inspiration from ‘Nyx’ – also known as the Greek goddess of night Designer Namrata Joshipura’s collection was made of deeper hues like marigold orange, deep red, ruby, ocean green and golds. She dedicated the collection to the Indian Women’s Hockey team that recently won the Hockey World League.

Concluding the third day of the Amazon India Fashion Week was the designer duo Pankaj and Nidhi with their collection ‘Rouge Minerale’. Reds, arctic pinks, sapphire blues and greys dominated the runway with impeccably crafted silhouettes.

March 28, 2015
Best of Beauty at Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’ 15: Day 2

The second day of the spectacular fashion flair took off with designers like Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Hemant and Nandita, Samant Chauhan, Malini Ramani and Rina Dhaka showcasing their warm, wintry palette and collections full of prints and textures. From soft nude lips to doll-like lashes, here are the make-up trends that stood out on the second day of the Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’ 15.

#1 Smokey is the new black!

Smokey eyes ruled the runway with designers Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Samant Chauhan, Malini Ramani and Rina Dhaka choosing the latest trend to complement their collections.

#2 The ‘no make-up’ make-up look

Designers Hemant and Nandita and Amit Aggarwal went for the ‘no make-up’ make-up look with natural-looking eyes, bare skin and bold eyelashes.

#3 Bare lips

On the second day of the Amazon India Fashion Week, most designers went with neutral shades for the lips except designers Hemant and Nandita’s models who donned rouge pink lips.

March 27, 2015
Best of hair-styling at Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’ 15: Day 2

Beachy Bohemian curls, neatly teased hair, fuss-free buns, and simple straight hair dominated the ramp on the second day at the Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’ 15. Here’s a sneak peak into the hairstyling trends that were prominent on the runway at day two of AIFW.

#1 Teased hair

Designers Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna opened the second day of the 25^th edition of the Amazon India Fashion Week by unveiling their collection ‘An early frost’ with models walking the ramp in neatly tied hair with teased puffs to enhance the overall impact of their structured outfits.

#2 Beachy Bohemian curls

Designer duo Hemant and Nandita and designer Pallavi Mohan opted for loose Boho curls for their collections. They accessorised the model’s beachy locks with hats and floral retro bands.

#3 Tidy buns

Designer Samant Chauhan chose fuss-free neat buns to complement his collection that represented purity and divine energy.

#4 Messy fishtail braids

Designers Malini Ramani and Rina Dhaka presented their edgy and dazzling collections with models walking the catwalk in side-swept messy fishtail braids.

#5 Straight middle-part hair

Staying true to their design philosophy ‘simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication’, designer duo Abraham and Thakore went for straight hair with a middle-parting accessorised with monochrome clips on either sides of the parting on the second day of the Amazon India Fashion Week Day.

March 27, 2015
Here’s a sneak peek into the Day 2 of Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’ 2015!

The second day of the Amazon India Fashion Week showcased collections by designers Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna, Hemant & Nandita, Rina Dhaka, Abraham & Thakore and many more. Here are the highlights.

Day 2 of the Amazon India Fashion Week was a remarkably splendid affair with designers showcasing their best pieces for the upcoming autumn/winter season. The spectacular parade kicked off with the designer duo Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna with their collection called ‘An early frost’. Capes, high-waisted skirts, embossed neoprene dresses, laser cut jackets with layering and exaggerated sleeves is what made the collection stand out!

Next in line was ‘Boho Caravan’ by designers Hemant & Nandita showcasing their love for ethnicity through the art of story telling. The collection comprised floral thread embroidery, ethnic prints along with rich earthy tones & intricate textures that echoed sheer wilderness. Overcoats, capes and maxi dresses that dominated the collection echoed a fantastic tone for autumn winter.

Not so serious by designer Pallavi Mohan presented the collection called ‘Nostalgia’ comprising of laser cut motifs, ombre-dyed feathers, velvet patch-work and sparkles everywhere.

Designer Samant Chauhan showcased his collection called ‘Rajputana Kumari’ embellished with opulent use of velvet, Zari, suede along with touches of gold and pearls in elegant silhouettes making heads turn!

Documenting the journey of the ‘Bindi’ was designer Amit Aggarwal. Indigenous weaves mixed with traditional dying techniques, juxtaposed with recycled industrial waste is how the designer presented his collection depicting the past, present and the future.

Known for her love for gold, designer Malini Ramani presented a dazzling collection with a dark touch dominating the runway with every piece. With models carrying off long skirts with thigh-high slits, ankle length skirts and more paired with sequinned detailing, this one of a kind show was a treat to the eyes.

Designer Rina Dhaka presented her collection comprising asymmetrical designs with beadwork, prints and wrinkled fabrics whilst using a contrast of blacks & whites.

Concluding the second day of the Amazon India Fashion Week was the designer duo Abraham and Thakore. Beautifully displaying different forms of recycling, this magnificent collection was all about contemporary life in metropolitan India.

March 27, 2015
Best of hair-styling at Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’15: Day 1

The most-anticipated Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter edition kicked off in New Delhi on 25^thMarch 2015. Besides the awe-inspiring ensembles of India’s most renowned fashion designers, there were also plenty of exciting hair-styling trends to check out on day 1 of the event. Here’s our pick of the best ways to do up those tresses as learned from the runway.

#1 Tie ‘em tresses:

Models walking the ramp for designer Rajesh Pratap Singh’s collection ‘The Best Medicine is Laughter’ were seen in neatly tied-up hair buns on the side and back. The nurse caps perfectly complemented the theme. Models walking for Kavita Bhartia completed the entire look with roughly curled, tied-up hair.

#2 Crop them up:

The ear-short, curled, muddled look was carried off effortlessly by models walking the ramp for designer Nikasha’s collection ‘Ruby’ on the second day of the Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’15.

#3 Crowns and gilded glamour:

Designer Anju Modi transformed the ramp into a dreamy world with her collection ‘How to write a fairytale’ with models in open, tangled, curly hair and crowns to complement the entire look. Concluding the first day of the extravaganza was designer JJ Valaya’s collection ‘The Bolshoi Bazaar’ with models walking effortlessly in high, tied buns with antique gold embellished head bands and hair accessories.

March 26, 2015
Best of Beauty at Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’ 15: Day 1

Amazon India Fashion Week A/W’15 kicked off yesterday in the best way possible. From the minimal make-up look, to fresh and dewy, to bold statement lips, there was a degree of experimentation and tonnes of catchy statements everywhere! Here are the make-up trends that stood out on day 1.

#1 The best of reds

Make-up artists brought sexy back with red. Bold and bright shades of scarlet, wine and berry red ruled the stage on day 1. From designer Anju Modi’s ‘How to write a fairytale’ to Kavita Bhartia and Rajesh Pratap Singh’s ‘The best medicine is laughter’, almost every show made a statement with well-defined lips, be it matte or glossy, adding a pop of colour to the pastel and neutral hues.

#2 Glittering eyes

On day 1, designer Anju Modi showcased shimmery white and aqua blue smoky eyes on her models. Other designers like JJ Valaya, Nikasha, Kavita Bhartia went for a neutral minimal look with a thin liner and a hint of mascara.

#3 Structured cheeks

Designer JJ Valaya had his models look sculpted with completely defined cheeks and intense blusher. Other designers like Payal Singhal, Nikasha, Rajesh Pratap Singh went for a sun-kissed natural contour with a dash of neutral blush.

March 26, 2015
Here’s everything you missed at Amazon India Fashion Week Day 1

The 25^th edition of Amazon India Fashion Week kicked off with designer Rajesh Pratap Singh’s collection ‘The Best Medicine is Laughter’ celebrating the efforts of medical practitioners and paying a tribute to them. The day followed with designers like Anju Modi, Kavita Bhartia, JJ Valaya and more showcasing their collections. Here’s everything you need to know.

Designer Rajesh Pratap Singh’s collection ‘The Best Medicine is Laughter’ paid a tribute to professionals associated with healthcare. The runway was surprisingly decked with beds in a hospital-like setting and models walked down the ramp donning monochromes, checks, prints, separates all in black and white paired with cat-eye glasses and a pop of red on the lips.

Designer Nikasha’s collection ‘Ruby’ presented ethnic clothes with a touch of fusion in shades of white, bright yellow and red with gold detailing and accessories.

Designer Payal Singhal’s collection titled ‘A French Love Song’ showcased a hint of pastel with subtle embellishments and their dreamy affair with Chantilly lace.

Designer Kavita Bhartia’s collection was all about shades of white, rouge pink, mustard and blue displayed through modern sculpted silhouettes and intricate handwork.

Borrowing a page from a modern fairytale, Designer Anju Modi’s collection was a treat to the eyes. The models walked the catwalk sporting shoes with wings and angelic crowns breaking away from the usual for this collection titled ‘how to write a fairytale’ on the first day of the Amazon India Fashion Week.

Concluding the first day of the Amazon India Fashion Week was designer JJ Valaya’s collection ‘The Bolshoi Bazaar’. The lineup was inspired by a unique combination of the Indian and Russian cultures. The subtle sense of grandeur and drama came together in multiple silhouettes that embraced the spirit of India in a whole new manner.

March 26, 2015
10 things you should avoid on your first date

First dates can be stressful, especially if you really like the person in question. But the best way to ensure that the first date isn’t the last one is to keep the jitters at bay. Next, follow our guide on how to be a ball of charm on this super special evening. Here are a few things you should totally avoid:

#1 Getting late- Yes, we all know it takes a lot of time to dress up. Especially when you want to look your best, but remember making people wait is considered rude and you don’t want that to be your first impression, do you now?!

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#2 Using your phone- Keep that phone aside and show some interest in your date. We all know you are excited and you want to give your bestie all the updates. But let those wait until after the date. Being interested in what the other person has to say is the best way to get someone to fall for you hook, line and sinker!

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#3 Checking out other people– We all do it… men and women alike and there’s no denying it. But right now, you should focus on the hottie sitting in front of you. Attractive passers-by will be around forever, trust us!

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#4 Don’t put too much make-up- Don’t end up looking like a troll. Keep it simple natural and minimal. Too much make-up screams “Hey, I’m trying too hard for you so notice me!”

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#5 Avoid talking about politics- Talking about politics is certainly not first date stuff. It can end your date before it really has a chance to begin. Especially if the person you’re with feels strongly about such stuff!

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#6 Talking about your past love- There’s nothing fun about break-ups and acknowledging exes is a big turn off. AVOID!

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#7 Leave the moustache for the men- Make sure you look neat and ‘well-groomed’.

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#8 Don’t talk too much- It’s good to have self-confidence nevertheless, let your actions show your confidence. Nobody wants to hear you blabber just about anything so just maintain a balance in your interaction and never cut-in their sentence.

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#9 Perfume overdose- Don’t spray the whole damn thing and suffocate the guy. You don’t want to smell like a walking garden. Stick to one fragrance and just keep it minimal.

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#10 Using foul language- Manners are very important and they can also be very attractive. Just be kind, respectful and keep the F- word out of the conversation. Thank you very much!

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March 25, 2015
5 must-haves in a woman’s handbag

A clutch a satchel or a tote, no matter what your arm candy of choice is, here’s a list of five essentials you must have in it all the time. Your handbag is your favourite friend because it safe keeps the basics of survival for you. Here’s a list of things you probably have in your bag already, and if you don’t, then stock up now!

Hand cream and sanitiser: Always keep a handy bottle of sanitiser and hand cream in your handbag to keep those germs away.

Hair ties, bobby pins and safety pins- These come to your rescue when you just want to keep your hair off your face. Keep a few elastic hair bands and bobby pins ready. Safety pins are indispensable because they save you from embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions that invariably creep up all the time!

Beauty essentials: Keep a small kit with your favourite lip colour, kohl, few face tissues, a body mist and a compact. If there’s a mirror in the compact, you wouldn’t need to carry one separately. Look fresh through the day with regular touch-ups.

Period essentials- Always keep a few sanitary napkins and tampons in that side zip of your bag. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that it’s “that time of the month”. So it’s better to be always prepared for…well… the worst!

Mouth freshener: Keep a pack of gum, or any mouth freshener that could give your breath much-needed freshness. After all if you’re going for a meeting with a totally drool-worthy client or your Saturday night party may end with a kiss from prince charming, you don’t want to be smelling of chips or beer!

All images source: pdpics.com  shopping.indiatimes.com www.shutterstock.com www.stylemag.in

March 25, 2015
Celeb spotting at Lakmé Fashion Week

Lakmé Fashion Week might be over but we can’t get enough of all the glamorous appearances that our favourite celebrities made at the event. They dazzled as showstoppers on the ramp, flaunting ensembles by some of India’s most renowned designers. The five-day event in Mumbai’s Palladium Hotel was brimming with silver and small screen allure as the crème de la crème of the industry walked the ramp for Manish Malhotra, Kunal Rawal and Yogesh Chaudhary amongst many others.

Bollywood heartthrobs Shahid Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor looked strikingly hunky as they walked the ramp for designer Kunal Rawal.

TV Actor and host Karan Tacker certainly made the ladies drool as he carried off designer Ken Ferns’ creation of a monochromatic suit with a crisp white shirt and embellished buttons.

Southern beauty Tamannaah Bhatia made heads turn as the showstopper for designer Payal Singhal’s collection, ‘Palace of Mirrors’.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh walked the ramp looking dapper in one of Raghavendra Rathore’s creations.

Actress Sagarika Ghatge did complete justice to the creation of designers Yogesh Chaudhary, Pallavi Singhee and ILK, looking absolutely delightful in a cream-coloured lace dress.

Gauri Khan looked stunning as she presented her summer-resort collection for Satya Paul entitled, ‘A Tropical Wonder’.

B-town beauty Shraddha Kapoor was the showstopper at the Absolute Sculpt show by DRVV.

Soha Ali Khan dazzled with her post-marriage glow for designer Babita Malkani.

March 24, 2015
Outfit of the week

If you are bored of the conventional skirts and need an outfit inspiration for the weekend, you definitely need to try this look. Make a stylish statement with this flared midi floral skirt and a top. Summers is all about looking young and fresh, so get this head turning outfit of the week look by adding complementing accessories like a handbag, ballerinas, pearl bracelet, and a neck piece. If you are stepping out in the sun do not forget to add your favourite hat and those must-have glasses. Take a look.

March 23, 2015
How to choose the right sunscreen this summer

Does the summer heat make you think twice before you put on your favourite pair of shorts and tank top? Now you do not need to worry, just choose the right sunscreen and step out in the sun without the fear of sun burn and skin tan. Sunscreens protect your skin from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun which cause early ageing and wrinkles. You might come across the word ‘SPF’ written on your sunscreen which stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF is actually just a gauge for telling you how much time a person can be exposed to the sun before getting burnt or tanned. For instance, SPF 15 can protect you from the sun effectively for 150 minutes.

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Here is a list of some very handy tips that will help you choose the right sunscreen for your skin type.

1) When you go to shop for the product, make sure you read the product label carefully and check that it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

2) Choose a higher SPF if you have a fairer skin tone, as people with lighter skin have higher chances of getting skin burns and tans.

3) Choose a broad spectrum cream with an SPF of 15 to 30. We recommend SPF 30 because the creams consistency is not too thick and it provides UV protection for almost up to 5 hours.

4) Choose the right sunscreen keeping in mind your skin tone as sunscreens are available in various shades.

5) Always apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your face. Do not rub the cream while applying, just gently spread the cream on the face and neck region and allow it to settle and form a protective layer on the skin.

6) If you have acne or oily skin problems, make sure you use a sunscreen which is water-based or oil-free so that your skin pores do not clog and you do not have any breakouts.

7) For your hands and feet, do not apply the same sunscreen that you use on your face. Rather go for a lotion which has an SPF of minimum 25. Lotions spread quickly and form a uniform protective layer over your skin to protect your skin cells from any sunray damage.

We recommend the following sunscreens for daily use. However you are free to choose a product that suits your preferences and skin type.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen (broad spectrum SPF 30) available for INR 675 available at Purplle

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Clinique Sun Broad Spectrum (SPF 30) available for INR 4,668 at Sephora and Clinique stores across India

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Burt Bee’s Baby Bee Sunscreen Stick (SPF25) available for INR 1,850 at Amazon

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March 20, 2015
Product review: Top 3 bronzers available in India

Bronzers imitate the healthy look of the sun on to your face and warm up the complexion by adding definition. With summers around the corner, it’s time to flaunt that perfect sun-kissed look with these oh-so-awesome bronzers. Here are three bronzers available in the market that you must try.

1)      Chanel ‘Soleil Tan De Chanel’

Chanel has improvised their formula and re-launched their bronzer with a new name and it is better than ever. ‘Soleil Tan De Chanel’ will be your best friend if you love to contour or to get a hint of tan on your face. It has a velvety matte cream gel formula that is soft and smooth and perfectly blends into the skin leaving a natural dewy look. It can be used all over or just for the purpose of contouring.

‘Soleil Tan De Chanel’ is sheer and light weight, comes in a plastic packing unlike other Chanel products and is very handy. For heavy coverage use your fingers or simply buff it on to your skin using a brush for an air brushed look. This product is recommended for all skin types and is a sure value for money as the jar will last you forever.

‘Soleil Tan De Chanel’ is priced at INR 2450

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2)      Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

Bobbi Brown’s bronzing powder is a soft smooth matte powder bronzer that instantly brightens up your face. It is a wonderful product for that extra oomph and makes you look healthy and extremely natural on the skin without any shimmer or sparkle. This bronzer’s consistency is smooth and blends into your skin easily without getting chalky or excessively powdery. Bobbi Brown’s bronzing powder is suitable for all skin types but works especially well on oily skin without making it look patchy or uneven. It is highly pigmented and adds warmth to the face. Moreover, one swipe of this product is enough to build up a strong intensity.

Price – INR 4000 onwards

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3)      MAC Bronzing powder

If you’re looking for a bronzer that is easy on the pocket then MAC’s bronzing powder should be your choice. MAC Bronzing Powder as the name says is a pressed powder bronzer extremely smooth with a lightly frosted shimmer that gives a sheer natural highlighting effect perfectly suitable for Indian skin tones.

Dust the bronzer on the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and neck; it is very pigmented, just a light swab can go all the way. It is sleek and compact, comes handy with a mirror and is ideal for every day contouring and sculpting. This product gives a nice fresh glow without looking cakey, doesn’t give an orange tint like other bronzers and stays on your skin for long.

MAC Bronzing Powder priced at INR1650

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March 20, 2015
Every man’s guide to spring/summer 2015 trends

From all-white to polka dots and pastels, the rules for menswear are being redefined for spring/summer 2015. Whether you want to stand out or blend in, there is something delightful this season for all the men out there who like to stay updated on what’s in vogue. Check out the latest spring/summer 2015 trends and stay ahead of the fashion curve.

Go blue – This season is all about the blues. Gone are the days of experimental mix and match as monotones makes a comeback. Stand out by wearing a contrast of different shades of blue, be it a suit, shorts or even tees.

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Loafers – Loafers are a classic piece of footwear that go with just about anything. With the ease of wearing them with or without socks, these neat-looking shoes can be paired with formal attire or a casual look, including shorts in a variety of colours.

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Stripes – Stripes are a major hit this season, vertical or horizontal. This trend is a perennial hit and keeps coming back year after year with refreshing innovations. If you don’t like experimenting much go for a classic combination of black and white or grey and blue stripes, keeping it simple, casual and clean!

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Bold Red – As popular as this colour is in women’s fashion circuit, red has always been a statement-ey add-on for men taking street style and traditional ensemble to another level. With vibrancy making its way into the pastel palette this spring, why should girls have all the fun?! … Pair this eye-catching shade up with neutrals for a wearable ‘bold’ look.

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Prints – Yes, styling prints can be a difficult task especially for men. But this season’s prints are sure to make your summer outfits easy breezy. Various designers have successfully managed to take inspiration from the prints dominating the feminine wardrobe giving them a beautifully-created masculine tone. Whether worn as a statement piece or layered underneath a jacket, these prints, mostly tropical and floral, sure breathe freshness into summers.

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March 20, 2015