Parineeti was on sets of a TV show promoting her new movie in a floral FCUK sheath dress.
Get her look.
Dress : shopperstop.com [ Or, you might buy it at a French Connection store, it is also available online in US]
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
How is Chennai Express such a big hit?
I went to Chennai Express with the expectations that it is going to be a bad movie -- I was wrong, it was terrible! [Read review here].
I saw Madras Cafe with the expectations that it would be an OK movie -- I was wrong again, it was surprisingly good.
This got me thinking, how is it possible that a movie like Chennai Express is grossing 200 crore+, making history, breaking box office record? Is the audience really that dumb? Or is it the hype and hoopla surrounding that movie? Is it the star power?
Every alternate movie these days claims it has broken box office records and created history. A couple of weeks after its release, everyone forgets about the movie, until you read about the cast and crew having a success bash for 45 days of the film running.
The promotions of CE were sickening crazy. SRK and Deepika were literally everywhere: TV shows, radio shows, malls, fashion shows..you name it. It was so irritating to see SRK repeat dialogues from his previous movies and do the Raj and Rahul kind of stuff he always does.
I hate hate hate stars coming on TV shows to promote their movies. I don't know how, or if ever, this trend would go away. Earlier it was limited to reality shows but now it has extended to daily soaps(Thanks for that, K-ekta Kapoor .. she started it!).
Like, do we really need to see Kareena on CID, or Deepika in Madhubala? Aren't those shows unbearable enough already, that you have to add your cheesy dialogues to those?
We get it. You have a movie releasing soon, you want us to go see it. We will, at our own time and convenience. Stop shoving it in our faces.
I remember when DDLJ was about to release, they aired 'the making of DDLJ' on TV just before its release. It was a first and all of us (us, meaning teenagers) were glued. After that, everyone showed the making of a movie before its release. Don't know when that stopped and this cringe-worthy way of movie promotions started! There was a brief phase when actresses dressed as their on-screen character for promotions..remember Vidya Balan showing up to places as a pregnant lady for Kahani promotions? That was taking it too far.
If promotions really mattered, OUATIMD would have been a hit as well.Those guys went all the way to Dubai royalty promoting their movie. But it sank without a trace.
On the other hand, there is Madras Cafe which did not have such incessant promotions, and although it is a well made movie with a good script, it is struggling to make a mark.
Maybe its the producer/director who decide what lengths they want to go to.. Rohit Shetty is a pro when it comes to market his films.. while Shoojit Sircar, the director of Madras Cafe, seems like a person who believes that if a movie is good, it will work, with or without promotions. His last film,Vicky Donor, was a surprise hit as well.
I hope Madras Cafe does well, for the sake of Bollywood, because if movies like CE, Golmaal, Ready keep breaking records to make history, good cinema from Bollywood would soon become history.
I saw Madras Cafe with the expectations that it would be an OK movie -- I was wrong again, it was surprisingly good.
This got me thinking, how is it possible that a movie like Chennai Express is grossing 200 crore+, making history, breaking box office record? Is the audience really that dumb? Or is it the hype and hoopla surrounding that movie? Is it the star power?
Every alternate movie these days claims it has broken box office records and created history. A couple of weeks after its release, everyone forgets about the movie, until you read about the cast and crew having a success bash for 45 days of the film running.
The promotions of CE were sickening crazy. SRK and Deepika were literally everywhere: TV shows, radio shows, malls, fashion shows..you name it. It was so irritating to see SRK repeat dialogues from his previous movies and do the Raj and Rahul kind of stuff he always does.
I hate hate hate stars coming on TV shows to promote their movies. I don't know how, or if ever, this trend would go away. Earlier it was limited to reality shows but now it has extended to daily soaps(Thanks for that, K-ekta Kapoor .. she started it!).
Like, do we really need to see Kareena on CID, or Deepika in Madhubala? Aren't those shows unbearable enough already, that you have to add your cheesy dialogues to those?
We get it. You have a movie releasing soon, you want us to go see it. We will, at our own time and convenience. Stop shoving it in our faces.
I remember when DDLJ was about to release, they aired 'the making of DDLJ' on TV just before its release. It was a first and all of us (us, meaning teenagers) were glued. After that, everyone showed the making of a movie before its release. Don't know when that stopped and this cringe-worthy way of movie promotions started! There was a brief phase when actresses dressed as their on-screen character for promotions..remember Vidya Balan showing up to places as a pregnant lady for Kahani promotions? That was taking it too far.
If promotions really mattered, OUATIMD would have been a hit as well.Those guys went all the way to Dubai royalty promoting their movie. But it sank without a trace.
On the other hand, there is Madras Cafe which did not have such incessant promotions, and although it is a well made movie with a good script, it is struggling to make a mark.
Maybe its the producer/director who decide what lengths they want to go to.. Rohit Shetty is a pro when it comes to market his films.. while Shoojit Sircar, the director of Madras Cafe, seems like a person who believes that if a movie is good, it will work, with or without promotions. His last film,Vicky Donor, was a surprise hit as well.
I hope Madras Cafe does well, for the sake of Bollywood, because if movies like CE, Golmaal, Ready keep breaking records to make history, good cinema from Bollywood would soon become history.
Dear SRK, Please, just stop!
Well, the much hyped and long awaited Chennai Express finally released, and even though it seems to be making huge earnings, the film is nothing more than Bollywood masala taken to a whole new level. It is a Rohit Shetty film, the guy who gave us Golmaal series, Bol Bachchan etc., so you don't have much expectations to begin with. You know it is going to be a brainless entertainer with some slapstick humor and OTT action sequences.
Add to that an ageing superstar, who delivers a performance that you can easily use as a definition of over-acting.
SRK plays Rahul (what else!) who sets out on a journey - meets a girl running away from home - trouble arises - they fall in love -- blah, blah, blah.. Seriously, there is nothing more to the story than that!
It is supposed to be a comedy.Yes, there were a couple of funny moments, just that!
Some of the scenes were cringe worthy.That nature's call scene, for example.. I am curious to find out who is behind that gem of a scene of cinematic history.
By the time you get used to all the zany stuff, the movie decides to shift gears to drama mode and nothing works thereafter.
Those facial expressions on Shah Rukh and his non-stop hamming do not make good comedy. Breaking all his previous records, he hams to an extent that I felt I could have a block party with ham sandwiches on the menu!
Giving credit where it is due, Deepika was great. She played the part convincingly, even her over-the-topness is likeable, until the point where she gets all melodramatic and it was downhill from there. Nevertheless, she proves she can act, unlike certain other top actresses (hint : Barbie rivals), who've been in the industry for years but still have the acting chops of a wooden log.
SRK, please don't ruin the memory of my teenage years. I along with countless others grew up watching Raj and Rahul, adoring you for your charm on screen, falling in love with love like you portrayed it and loving you for being the superstar you were. I have grown up since then. I would love for you to do the same and stop playing these silly characters in every other movie. What makes you do movies like this is beyond my understanding. Money can't be your problem - you surely have enough of that to adopt a small African country. You are not a retired actor trying to make a comeback, you're still the Badshah of Bollywood. And I am sure directors would be waiting in line to work withyou. Why,then, are you doing this?
Enough of the Rahuls please and some more of the Kabir Khans (Chak De) and Mohan Bhargavs (Swades).
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Office Wear Basics .. Part 2 .. Wardrobe Essentials
Continuing with our office wear series, we have put together a list of basic wardrobe staples that you should have for a fabulous work wardrobe.
Take cues from these next time you go shopping.
The idea is not to just buy all these things, but identify what you are most comfortable with and find pieces that you can combine to create smart outfits. That is where your creativity and individuality comes in.
1. Shirts
Classic button down shirts that you can pair with skirts, trousers, jeans.
Tip : Buy a shirt that is big enough to stretch all the way across your bust without gaping.
Don't wear a shirt that gapes and shows your undergarments, no matter how great it is otherwise. Also, don't go by the size on the labels..see if it actually fits.
2. Skirts
Find a shape that flatters your body type, be in sheath skirts, pencil skirt, A-line, or pleated skirts. Avoid flamenco, peasant type and mini skirts, even on casual fridays.
Tip : Never go too short. A few inches above the knee should be the max you can go.
3. Trousers
Again find a style that flatters your body type and pair it with shirts and formal tops to get a great look.
Tip : Hem your pants. If your pants are too long it just screams sloppiness. If they are too short, they look silly. See it like this -- you can never wear the same pair of pants with flats as well as heels.
4. Dresses
Dresses offer great versatility.. you can choose a style that is classic formal, or if you have trendy pieces like prints or bold colors, give them a formal look by pairing them with blazers and cardigans. Sheath dresses are your best bet, but you can also dress up your shift dresses as formals. Confused, see our tutorial here on the difference between the two types and how you can dress them up or down.
Tip : It is better to avoid lacy dresses or dresses with sheer details at work. Leave them for the night out.
5. Blazers (and jackets)
Very important. They make the attire look powerful and you can use them to dress up any outfit .. dresses, just a plain top and skirt or even denims.
6. Cardigans
Work in the same way as blazers. So if you do not like formal jackets, go for cardigans.
Tip: Solid colors, mid-length, non-chunky cardigans work best.
7. Kurtas
Comfortable, traditional, colorful yet chic. Do not require much effort.
8. Jeans
You got to have a pair or two of good, well-fitting jeans which you can dress up and go to work in them. Pair your jeans with a beautiful printed top for a casual Friday or wear it with a classic button down or team it up with a blazer for a business-casual look.. the options are endless. What is important is to find a jeans that suits your body type, flatters your figure and fits like a dream. Dark wash, mid rise are great options.
Tip: Stay away from dangerously low waist / acid wash/ ripped styles.
9. Shoes
At least have a couple of good pair of pumps and flats in neutral colors that will work with all your outfits.
Tip : Have to be well-maintained, polished.
10. Undergarments
Vital basics -- NEVER ignore. Wear well-fitting, no showing undergarments.
Here is a great Pinterest board with some great work outfits.
The idea is not to just buy all these things, but identify what you are most comfortable with and find pieces that you can combine to create smart outfits. That is where your creativity and individuality comes in.
1. Shirts
Classic button down shirts that you can pair with skirts, trousers, jeans.
Tip : Buy a shirt that is big enough to stretch all the way across your bust without gaping.
Don't wear a shirt that gapes and shows your undergarments, no matter how great it is otherwise. Also, don't go by the size on the labels..see if it actually fits.
2. Skirts
Find a shape that flatters your body type, be in sheath skirts, pencil skirt, A-line, or pleated skirts. Avoid flamenco, peasant type and mini skirts, even on casual fridays.
Tip : Never go too short. A few inches above the knee should be the max you can go.
3. Trousers
Again find a style that flatters your body type and pair it with shirts and formal tops to get a great look.
Tip : Hem your pants. If your pants are too long it just screams sloppiness. If they are too short, they look silly. See it like this -- you can never wear the same pair of pants with flats as well as heels.
4. Dresses
Dresses offer great versatility.. you can choose a style that is classic formal, or if you have trendy pieces like prints or bold colors, give them a formal look by pairing them with blazers and cardigans. Sheath dresses are your best bet, but you can also dress up your shift dresses as formals. Confused, see our tutorial here on the difference between the two types and how you can dress them up or down.
Tip : It is better to avoid lacy dresses or dresses with sheer details at work. Leave them for the night out.
5. Blazers (and jackets)
Very important. They make the attire look powerful and you can use them to dress up any outfit .. dresses, just a plain top and skirt or even denims.
6. Cardigans
Work in the same way as blazers. So if you do not like formal jackets, go for cardigans.
Tip: Solid colors, mid-length, non-chunky cardigans work best.
7. Kurtas
Comfortable, traditional, colorful yet chic. Do not require much effort.
8. Jeans
You got to have a pair or two of good, well-fitting jeans which you can dress up and go to work in them. Pair your jeans with a beautiful printed top for a casual Friday or wear it with a classic button down or team it up with a blazer for a business-casual look.. the options are endless. What is important is to find a jeans that suits your body type, flatters your figure and fits like a dream. Dark wash, mid rise are great options.
Tip: Stay away from dangerously low waist / acid wash/ ripped styles.
9. Shoes
At least have a couple of good pair of pumps and flats in neutral colors that will work with all your outfits.
Tip : Have to be well-maintained, polished.
10. Undergarments
Vital basics -- NEVER ignore. Wear well-fitting, no showing undergarments.
Here is a great Pinterest board with some great work outfits.
Office Wear Basics .. Part 1
In this series, we discuss office wear and try to give ideas for ideal and great office wear.
'What to wear to work' does not need to be a tough question any longer.
Follow certain rules, get your basics right, and enjoy dressing up for work and you will feel more confident to take on the long day ahead.
Dressing smartly at work is important -- one, because you want to make a good impression and two, your clothes reflect a lot.Work wear doesn't need to be boring and drab, and it certainly does not mean you cannot have fun with clothes.Whether your work place has a strict dress code or a relaxed policy, all you need to do is identify what you like and buy clothing items accordingly to get a work wardrobe that you will love.
Some questions that may help you with this are listed below.
Is your style classic or trendy?
If you like the former, your work wardrobe will include mulitple whites, greys, blacks, navys, classic button downs, oxford shirts, skirts, trousers. You wouldn't have much difficulty putting together an outfit.
If you are more of a trend follower, you will have printed tops, patterned dresses, the latest must-have pieces of every season. Mix and match to get a work appropriate look.
Are you a skirt or a trouser girl?
What do you think flatters you more .. skirts or pants?
If you thinks skirts suit you more, you can choose from pencil skirts,pleated skirts,classic A-line skirts,shift dresses,sheath dresses.. the options are endless.
If you think you look better in trousers, don't think the options are limited .. you have classic slim ankle length pants,wide-leg trousers, cropped trousers, printed / patterned trousers and what not. And, there is a way you can include these in a proper work outfit; just a little creativity is required.
Are kurtas your thing?
Chuck the skirts and dresses, are you more comfortable in traditional Indian wear? Don't worry, there is a huge variety of traditional kurtas available that you can wear to work. The key here is the fabric. It has to be something that gives the garment more structure, like cotton, or silk, or linen .. flowy fabrics like crepe or jersey are not good options for
work wear kurtas. The other important thing is cuts .. clean cuts (A-line, straight-cut) strong necklines (raised collar, chinese collar,button-down, V-neck) give a more corporate look. No one wants to see you channel your inner Bollywood diva with weird necklines or cuts(think anarkalis) and doris at front or back. Also, no embellishments or bling. The Manish Malhotra'ish clothes are for parties .. not office!
If you love saris and do not mind them wearing to work, chose them wisely. Cottons and printed silks are your best bet.
Are you a heels or a flat person?
The good news is, you can be either.
If you like flats, choose from a variety of sandals and ballet flats.
If you love heels, go for it .. pumps, peep-toes, T-strap..whatever works for you. Avoid flashy stilletos though!
The general rules when it comes to office wear shoes are:
- Don't wear heels higher than what you can comfortably walk in. Your new 5-inch pumps might be gorgeous, but don't wear them to work if you fear you will fall over in them. Ideal heels are 2 -3.5 inches.
- Closed toe shoes are most ideal, be it flats or heels. Some work places have a strict no-open-toe-shoe policy. If your work place has a flexible policy, you can go for peep-toes or open-toe sandals. However, do not wear anything that shoes too much of your toes, thong sandals for example.
- No shimmery, shiny, heavily embellished shoes.. you have no reason to wear that to office, except for some costume day at work.
- NO FLIP FLOPS - EVER , OR SNEAKERS! Yes, it is in ALL CAPS .. because that's how big of a no-no it is.
I cringe every time I walk into a corporate office (especially in India) and see people wearing flip-flops, slip-on sandals and sneakers to work.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Top Make-Up Brands In India
Cosmetics / make-up was has gained major importance in the Indian beauty market in the past decade or so. Today, there are multiple cosmetic brands available, catering to different markets and across varied price ranges. All thanks to major international brands eyeing the vast Indian market and launching their product lines here.
Compare this to a time when, as my mom says, Lakme was the only brand available .. with limited products, and that too was considered a luxury.
Choosing a particular brand for cosmetics can be mind-boggling with so many brands and their imitations available.
Here is a list of few brands that you can trust when it comes to make-up. Of course, this does not include the high-end brands, like Estee Lauder,Chanel, Clinique etc. that are also available (we will do a separate post about those).
1. LAKME
India's go-to when it comes to make-up. After a few sluggish years, the brand has re-invented itself, shaken by its competition, launching new product ranges frequently. The good news is, the products are great and affordable!
2. L'OREAL
One of the first major international brand that was launched in India, it offers not only make-up and beauty but hair care products as well. Some of the products are really good.
3. MAYBELLINE
Maybelline New York is one brand that always delivers. You will hardly find a Maybelline product that does not do what it promises to. They have some of the best lipsticks and mascaras in the business, and that includes your luxury brands. That is saying a lot!
4. REVLON
Probably the first international brand to set its foot in India, Revlon changed the way Indian consumers looked at the beauty market. With it came an influx of numerous products across the spectrum. Even then, Revlon has maintained its prices over the years, suiting to the Indian consumer base. Some products are great, some are really bad.
5. CHAMBOR
Good products .. good prices, but still this brand has failed to make a big name in India.
However, Chambor loyalists know that once you like a product, you will not replace it with any other brand.
6. AVON
When Avon started in India, they launched with very few products. Over the years, the number of customers has increased and so has the product line.
Again, products are good.. the only flip-side is that Avon is not sold in beauty shops and the likes. You have to become a customer .. that membership thing and the works!
7. M.A.C
Of-course, everyone knows 'the MAC'.
A major international brand, launched few years back in India and while everyone thought the prices would be sky-high, MAC did just the opposite. Very reasonably priced, extremely good quality products.
8. BHARAT & DORRIS
It is very surprising that B&D is not as popular as they should be. In fact, half of the people do not even know B&D.. they never get written about in blogs or forums. But they are great .. think of it as our desi M.A.C. .. get the idea?? The brand needs more exposure because they have some really great products, which work exceptionally well for Indian skin. Also, they sell only at their exclusive stores.
Get the look .. Priyanka Chopra's printed number.
Priyanka Chopra was seen promoting her upcoming movie on a TV show wearing a Roberto Cavalli dress and high-heeled black pumps.
Here are various options that you can go for if you want a look similar to her.
Dress : jabong.com
mango.com
If you have the big bucks, the original Roberto Cavalli is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, which (YAY!!) now ships to India as well .. get it here.
Shoes : majorbrands.in
(Assuming, you do not already own a pair of classic black pumps, in which case, Dear Lord!!)
Here are various options that you can go for if you want a look similar to her.
Dress : jabong.com
mango.com
If you have the big bucks, the original Roberto Cavalli is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, which (YAY!!) now ships to India as well .. get it here.
Shoes : majorbrands.in
(Assuming, you do not already own a pair of classic black pumps, in which case, Dear Lord!!)
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