Autumn/Winter 2018 (Part Deux)

While most of the trends of this season feel like a repeat of the last couple of years, there are a few new ones. Namely, the colour of the season, and its dress style.

Rust

Mustard yellow is still going strong, but autumn has seen rust make a huge appearance. It's everywhere. You'll find it on blouses, tees, trousers, skirts and all types of accessories. If you want to really make a statement, pair it with mustard yellow,

like Forever 21 have done with this skirt and jacket combo.

You could also follow Zara's lead and pair a mustard yellow top with corduroy rust-coloured trousers. There is no better way of saying that you keep up with the trends than this look.

A word of warning about rust however: note that every model is of the fair-skinned variety in these pictures. Rust does not, as a rule, look good on darker skin tones. And on the darker Indian skin tones with our sallow undertones, it's an absolute no-no. If you have darker skin (aka you're not half Caucasian), opt for rust coloured accessories instead of clothes.

This pair of rust-coloured boots from Forever 21 is the perfect way to give a nod to the trends without looking like a complete fashion victim in clothes that don't suit your skin colour or undertone.

Little House on the Prairie style dresses

For the un-avid readers among us, Little House on the Prairie is one in a series of books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder about life in the American mid-west around the late 19th century. And the type of dresses that graced the catwalk this season borrow heavily from that countrified, turn of the century style. For those who live in colder climes, this is great news, as these types of dresses look best when worn with boots. As this Vero Moda dress so beautifully illustrates.

What you want to look for are rustic, countrified prints, longer lengths (although there are some very cute short dresses in this style out there too) and western-style touches.

This Mango dress is another great example of the style of this season.

This dress has got that countrified vibe, but it's short and white, which makes it perfect for us folk in Mumbai's sweltering heat. Something like this is what you should be looking for, when you hit the stores. Although I like an old-fashioned style as much as the next history fiend, even I will admit that Mumbai's weather really doesn't lend itself well to this season's dress. These longer dresses don't really look smart at all when worn with ballet flats or court shoes. And they look positively dowdy when paired with sandals. So choose your lengths and colours wisely if you plan on wearing this style here in our city. 

I have to admit, this season, the trends aren't very India-friendly. However they are a few left over from last year, and one or two newer ones that I shall discuss in my next post.

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl

IG: @maryannecp

Photo Credits: All pictures taken from the brand's Indian websites. (Vero Moda, Zara, Forever 21, Mango and Forever New)

Autumn/Winter 2018

As the fall collections hit the stores, we begin to think of our winter wardrobes. What shall we buy? What are the latest trends?

While none of us are fashion victims - I'd like to think we're better than that - picking up trendy pieces is something pretty much everyone does. So what are the trends to jump onto and which ones should be avoided this season?

Today we'll tackle the biggest two.

1. Checks

Honestly, this feels like a bit of a repeat of last fall when Prince of Wales checks were everywhere. Who can forget those oversized, checked blazers every blogger and their uncle were wearing? This season, checks are getting a little less formal and veering into 90's territory. While the more formal checks are still going strong, like this skirt from Mango, plaids, herringbone and regular checks are making the cut now. In fact, we're veering into the later 90's/early 2000's with the amount of colourful plaids and checks.

These trousers from Zara's new collection are a classic example of something you might have worn back when Britney and Christina ruled the airwaves. (If you were alive back then, natch.) Note also the looser fit. Yes, we're moving away from the clingy leggings style of trouser. Let's just pray that we don't go back into boot-cut or baggy hip-hop territory!

If you want something trendy but feel like you don't want to repeat the mistakes of your youth, this dress from Vero Moda is a good choice. It's on-trend, but certainly doesn't feel like it belongs at a 90's nostalgia party.

2. Animal Print

Okay, so this isn't exactly anything new. Animal print is a fall staple. If you've lived through 25 or more years, you've realised that the autumnal season brings out the animal in designers. It's merely a question of which animal print is trendy. This year - and lucky us! - everything is. I've seen leopard, snakeskin, zebra, tiger and a whole lot more besides. This blouse from Mango would be a great addition to your wardrobe, if you don't have a lot of animal prints in it.

If you're a braver soul, you can opt for these colourful snakeskin-print trousers from Zara. The multi-coloured animal print trend is still going strong too.

If you prefer your outfits to be less in-your-face, you can add an accessory in animal print, like this scarf from Forever New. There are also bags, shoes and earrings in this trend. A small word of warning: Animal print from head to toe is a good look on no one. I repeat, No one! No matter how much you might love co-ord sets, steer clear of them in animal prints. You want to look stylish. Not like you've escaped from a nearby circus.

Look for the more trends in Thursday's post.

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl.

IG: @maryannecp

Photos: All pictures are taken from the websites of the brands mentioned. (In this case, Vero Moda, Mango, Zara and Forever New.)

Bottoms Up

Since I chose dresses from Zara and tees from Forever 21, it seemed only fair that I hopped over to H&M in search of bottoms to wear with those oh so cute tops. Luckily for me, they do have a wide selection this fall.

If you've been following the trends, you'll know that we are in a major 90's moment. And this skirt was the skirt shape of the 90's - the short, slightly A-line mini. You could hunt down a corduroy one if you want to go the whole hog. But I prefer this khaki green one. It combines the colour of autumn with the skirt shape to have.

If you want something less basic, try this brown one. The asymmetric lines plus the cargo-style pockets make it quite eye-catching. If you live in a colder place, it would look amazing with over-the-knee boots or with tights.

Do you want a regular mini? This checked one is perfect. Checks are a massive trend this season. (Of course they are. The 90's were all about the plaid!) This one isn't so out there that you'll never be able to wear it once the trend has died down. It will work well no matter the season.

Speaking of checks, you will see a zillion different kinds of checked trousers this season. Make sure that your picks are wide-legged ones, or cigarette-style trousers. Anything else is not currently in style. If in doubt - and you're too young to remember them - google Britney Spears or No Doubt circa 1998.

These trousers remind me of Christina Aguilera in her 'Genie in a Bottle' era. Which is exactly the time period fashion is borrowing from this season. If you don't want to go all out on checks or patterns, choose the cuts in solid colours. They will wear far better anyway.

Corduroy was huge in the 90's. So it's no surprise to see it back once again. I think these pale pink trousers are a perfect compromise between channelling the 90's and living in the new millennium. 

Paper-bag waists are still around this season. However they're now on wide-leg trousers. I really like this pair. I think they will easily fit into any occasion. With an adorable cami top and flat metallic sandals, they will be a go-to outfit for the October heat.

Longer skirts are also a must-have during the hotter months. I love this khaki, wrap-around style one. Just be warned, it isn't lined. You will need to wear a slip or something of that ilk underneath. It's cute enough to be worth the hassle though. I'm seriously considering purchasing this one. (Why, oh why, won't the rain stop??)

I have seen a lot of pleats in stores these days. Mind you, they've been around since last autumn/winter. However they don't seem to be going anywhere. If - unlike me - your mother doesn't own enough pleated skirts to put Zara and H&M out of business, you might consider investing in one. And if you do, I recommend this. The pattern is unusual and rather statement-making. However, it's in neutral colours - all the easier to match, my dear. The cream and blue also means that whether your skin undertones are warm or cool, it will complement you. Wear it with kitten heels to work, or with pretty lace-up sandals in your downtime.

Last, but not least, let's talk about shorts. I really like this pair. The jacquard-esque fabric makes them wearable to things like parties, clubs and even on dates. 

These sailor-style ones will also look great both in the day and at night. If you're a little uncomfortable with showing so much leg, but still want to wear shorts, buy a long cardigan (like the one I spoke about in the Forever 21 tee selection) and chuck it on. You'll be covered up from the back, and needn't feel so self-conscious.

I'll talk about the main A/W trends in my next post.

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl.

IG: @maryannecp.

Photo Credits: All pictures are taken from the H&M India website.

Panhala Fort

Anyone who has ever suffered through a history lesson in Maharashtra during their schooldays will remember the Panhala Fort being mentioned in connection with Shivaji Maharaj. It involved Adil Shah II of Bijapur, Siddi Jauhar, Baji Prabhu Deshpande and a daring escape by Shivaji under the cover of darkness. Baji Prabhu lost his life in the ensuing battle of Pavan Khind (as it is called) and a statue to commemorate his deeds dominates the main courtyard of Panhala.

The fort itself is lost in the hill station town, with structures and buildings standing alongside a few hotels, houses and shops.

It's not very far from Kolhapur, and makes a very nice weekend getaway. If you're the driving kind, and don't mind sitting in a car for a good eight hours, you can drive down from Mumbai. That's what we did, and it was a beautiful drive.

The views from the fort are amazing. Natch, as forts were built in locations where you could see the countryside around for miles. You can hire a guide, or just wander around the structures and buildings yourself. If you'd like to see things like the route by which Shivaji escaped, and learn more about the history of the place, a guide is a good idea. But  you don't necessarily need one.

The fort is decently well preserved, considering that this is India, and our government will spend crores on a statue of Shivaji but not one penny on preserving or restoring the places he actually lived in. (Rant over. Sorry, but it's a pet peeve of mine.)

In some places, you can still see the carvings and designs made by the stone masons of long ago.

Possibly the best kept buildings are the granaries. You can climb up to the roof, as well as wander around inside. This pic was taken from an aperture in the roof. You really get a sense of how vast the space is, and how much food and grain must have been stored there once upon a time. No wonder Shivaji was able to hold out against Siddi Jauhar for as long as he did!

In your wanderings, beware of the narrow stairways that lead both up and down. Considering the size of the passages and the height of the roofs in most places, people in the seventeenth century were a lot thinner and a lot shorter than us.

There are some places that are off limits. I'm not surprised, given that the fort is so old. Plenty of passages must end in cave-ins. And also, India being what it is, you're probably at risk of robbery or worse, if you go wandering around dark passages and rooms deep in the fort.

As long as you stick to what is recommended, you'll be fine. The fort is impressive. The commanding views across the countryside even more so. And as it's located on a pass in the Sahyadris, the weather is usually pleasant. If you get a bit bored with all the history, Kolhapur, with its famous Kolhapuri chappals, is a short drive away. (Although be prepared to bargain when it comes to the shoes!)

Happy wandering!

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl.

IG: @maryannecp 

Fits to a Tee

When it comes to tops and tees this fall, Forever 21 is the place to shop. I must say, I'm quite happy about that. I like a cheap, but stylish, tee as much as anyone. Of course, here in Mumbai we can't exactly get into the flannel and plaid shirts or the checked coats that are all over the runways. Our weather is pretty much never cold. So, what are my picks for the October heat?

This cropped, striped, sporty top is something that you'd see on models like Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid. It is definitely not something you want to wear in the middle of the afternoon. However if you're headed out for a movie, or to an air-conditioned restaurant for brunch, this is something to reach for. I'd personally pair it with a fitted jersey skirt - either short or long - but if you're on the slim side, it would work with shorts too.

The detailed back or detailed front.

This is what the back of the top from the beginning of the post looks like. And it's a good choice for our weather. I would recommend wearing it with a caged back sports bra or bralette, preferably in white. It's great for wandering around on those unbearable September and October afternoons.

This drape-y blouse falls into the 'detailed front' category. I like the fact that it's loosely draped. It means that you can pin this and show as much - or as little - skin as you like. This is something that you could even wear under a blazer, should you so choose. It can be dressed up and down. A sound choice.

Another blouse that can be dressed up or down is this pretty, red polka dot one. The lightweight fabric will work in our weather, despite the long sleeves. I like the feminine ruffles. It's a great date night blouse.

This semi-sheer, cold shoulder blouse will also work on date nights. It will work very well as a clubbing top, and on casual occasions. The pleats are very on-trend. The fabric means it's something to reach for on those hot days and nights. Even though I'm not really into the cold-shoulder look, I might wind up buying this. That's how much I like it.

On those days when you're in an ac the whole day, or if you live in cooler climes, this slouchy chambray blouse is just the ticket. The cut has the right amount of casual to work both with formal trousers (perhaps on a Friday in the office) or with a pair of shorts at a late, slightly hungover, Sunday brunch.

Speaking of Sunday brunches, this oversized cardigan is something everyone should own. It's the perfect cover-up when you're wearing something super-short but comfy. It's also very handy when you fly. I own a couple of these types of longline coats, and they are the handiest things for our winter weather. You feel warm but they don't overheat you. If you don't already own something like this, get one.

What would the fall/winter season be without some velvet. A lot cooler, if you're a Mumbai-dweller. Choose a velvet cami or tank top, to keep up with the trends but still keep your cool. Unfortunately velvet is a very warm fabric. As luxe as it looks, it will make you sweat. This cami is short enough and slightly boxy to allow for air to flow through. If you do want to hop on the velvet bandwagon, this is the style to go for.

Sweltering October means we're all on the lookout for something easy to wear, that isn't going to turn us into a puddle of goo. This cropped tank is the answer to all our prayers. You could even get away with it at work, if you wore it with high-waisted trousers or a high-waisted pencil skirt and a loose linen blazer. Dress it down with baggy jeans or a flowy skirt for those days when you want to roll out of bed and go. It's a basic and versatile piece. Well worth the money.

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl.

IG: @maryannecp

Photos: All pictures are taken from the Forever 21 India website.

Say 'Yes' to that Fall Dress

I might have strayed down the rabbit hole, but I got out of there in a hurry when I realised that the Fall collections have hit the stores. I mean, rabbit holes are pointless when there are new clothes to be bought. 

Rather than stray to the 'New In' sections, I thought I would find one type of clothing that I felt a brand had done awesomely this season, and show you my choices.

Today we dive into Zara's selection of dresses. 

Let me start off by saying that I am not usually a huge fan of Zara's dresses. Although I have a few, most of my dresses come from elsewhere. However, I feel that they have done an amazing job this season. They've got all the trends spot on (although, when do Zara not get the trends spot on?) and the dresses do look (and fit - the ones that I tried) surprisingly well.

Short and Shapeless (well, kind of)

The first shape that I noticed was short, and extremely oversized. Kind of babydoll, kind of swing. I do like this trend. It's very forgiving after a large lunch. However you have to be very careful with the cut you choose. The wrong one will make you look pregnant at best and obese at worst. And whether or not they fit right, they will make you look childlike. It's definitely not a look for the office.

This black one ticks all the right boxes. And I think it should fit well on most sizes.

Although this maroon one encompasses another trend of the season as well - namely, tight pleats - it's best avoided unless you're very thin. If you're short, you could size up and belt the dress at the waist. Otherwise, it's just say 'no'.

I adore this dress! It's so pretty and girly, and has such a Victorian feel. It does fit decently. But if you're over a 34C, it's something to be admired on someone else. The high neck and the frill will make you look very top heavy.

The Classic Shift

Channel your inner Jackie O this fall with the 60's classic. This is the perfect type of dress style to wear to work, or on those occasions when you want to be professional and still girly. This cream one is honestly one of those things that you will wear time and again. I highly recommend it.

This Chanel-inspired dress also plays into the trend for checks, which is all over fall clothes. The right checks have a vintage, tartan feel to them. It's a very 90's throwback, and quite grungy. I really like this dress. I'll probably wind up buying it. It fits well, and the style suits everyone. 

Cinched at the Waist

This isn't really a trend. Dresses have always been cinched at the waist. It's a lovely look if you're on the skinny side, or if you have an hourglass figure. If you carry your weight on your stomach, however, this is anything but flattering. So do note that.

This dress is one of those that will work for pretty much any and all occasions. If you can only pick up one new dress this season, buy this. It will work everywhere.

If Meghan Markle is your style icon, you don't need to look any further. The coat dresses and blazer dresses she loves are all over the collections this season. Zara have three different versions of the blazer dress - that I saw. This one comes in white as well. This isn't particularly my style. But it is well made, and fits well. I would skip this if I had a large bust though. The cut is not the most generous. 

This dress is very girly. But it also takes on the khaki green colour of the season. I would be wary of the length and the front tie because the material is very lightweight. Unless you wear something underneath, you will be flashing your knickers with the slightest gust of wind. The neckline does tie in the front, but the cut is low. Use a pin or a brooch to insure that everything is kept under wraps. 

Khaki Green

Speaking of the olive/khaki green that's doing the rounds this season, the lace slip dress is the perfect, not quite so usual item. Be warned, however, this is Zara. There isn't any lining, and the neckline may or may not dip too low for you. I do really like it. But unless I find something long and high necked to wear underneath, I won't be purchasing it.

Shirtdresses

Guess who's back...yes, the shirtdress is conquering this season. Over fifty percent of the dresses I've seen are some variations on the shirtdress. I really love this colour, although it's very difficult to wear if you're not fair. I also like the built-in belt. It's a little unusual as compared to the regular shirt dresses. 

Another shirtdress that's slightly unusual is this one. I like the variation of the stripes. But I would advise using a belt - a wide one - and not letting this hang loosely. Although the oversize maxi dress trend looks fabulous on size zero models, it does us in the real world no favours at all.

Maxi Dresses

The fall versions of maxi dresses are actually nicer and more wearable than the summer ones. I am a huge fan of this checked one. (If you're on the short side, you will need to hem this.) It's loose and flowy and the perfect thing for the October heat.

This lightweight knit is lovely as well. But it needs a belt and a slip underneath. Or perhaps you could wear the lace dress over it? Depending on your style and your figure it could be fab and trendy, or horrid. (If you're tall and skinny, this could work well. Also if you have an hourglass figure.) I do really like this style though.

One word of warning: Avoid this dress at all costs! I have yet to meet someone on whom it looks good. You have to admit that even the model doesn't look all that great in it. And on normal figures, forget it! Everyone I have seen in this dress just looks like they're a few months away from their delivery date. That said, if you're actually pregnant, this could work very well, provided you're not in the eighth or ninth month. If you happen to be, try it and let me know.

Till next time,

MumbaiGirl.

IG: @maryannecp

Photos: All photographs are taken from the 'dress' section of the 'woman' section of the Zara website.