How to Wear Headpieces with Indian Wear...

Headpieces have been around for decades and as the fashion wheel churns on the Headpiece has made a massive comeback, and I have to say I'm uncertain in my opinion of them! I think it's because I've seen some Headpieces look truly stylish and other times a complete disaster, resulting in a look that is more slightly awkward then chic.

Headpieces are a really diverse accessory, and can accentuate any type of type of Indian outfit when worn the right way. The fact that there are so many different styles and designs means there are endless possibilities to choose from. 

I've noticed a lot of young women lately, mixing this accessory with Indian Wear and hats off to you girls for taking a risk, because when it works it looks super sassy and sleek. 

There are some basic do's & don'ts in my opinion for wearing Headpieces, especially when pairing it with Indian wear so I thought I share them with you!

Let me know what you think and if there's anything you'd add to my list!!     

Don't

• Don't choose a style that doesn't suit your face shape or size of your face,  if for example you have a  a petite face, then steer clear of large bulky headpieces that  have a centre piece that is big, choose something that is simple and dainty that adds to your look rather than take away from it, and if your face shape is the opposite than you can be choose a design that is bolder and defined... 

• Don't pair the headpiece with the wrong hairstyle, making a headpiece work depends on amalgamation of both a great headpiece and a stunning hair do. The key here is to choose a hair style that is relaxed, effortless and natural, don't scrape those luscious locks back keep is simple and fun, I think messy waves are a great way to work this accessory and they are a great base for any updo hairstyle... 

• Don't forgo a hair parting, these accessories often require a parting of sorts, whether it be middle or side choose the right one for the style of head piece... 

Do

• Be adventurous with the style of the head piece, there is an exodus of options out there to choose from which means there is pretty much something for everyone...

• Choose a piece that matches the style of your outfit, if your paring it with an anarkali or sari, then make sure the headpiece compliments the embroidery work and design, whether it be Stone, Gota, Aari or Polki work for example, the accessories should always compliment the outfit not distract from it! 

• Be Brave!! Wearing a head piece can be a daunting and daring choice of accessory especially if you've never worn one before, so don't be afraid of it, embrace it! It is after all, an accessory that has its origins in the East, so pairing it with Indian wear a natural look that has been around forever!

A bold and striking design such a this headpiece, makes a serious statement and would look incredible with a simple sari or anarkali, in may a regal red, maroon or green...

This beauty shot from Sabyasachi has been seen on my blog before but it shows how incredible these accessories look when
 paired with a relaxed updo hairstyle that makes the headpiece look like its just meant to be there! 

A low hairstyle like this shows how to make an accessory like this sit beautifully...

Dainty and classic designs like this piece worn by Nichole Richie goes with anything and everything and gives your outfit a chance to do all the talking!

The Secret to Wearing Lehengas...

Here in the UK the Lehenga, (a long skirt + blouse & scarf combination) is a seriously forgotten item of clothing.  Personally I think here in the UK we live under the idea, that a Lehengha is a traditional item of Indian clothing that is reserved only for Brides & Bollywood Stars. I however completely disagree!

It seems to me that young women here never really consider wearing a Lehenga to a Wedding Reception, Engagement, Sangeet Night or Mehndi, when you absolutely should. I'm going to try to remedy that and help you not only see the beauty in wearing a Lehenga but also help you feel more confident in taking a risk to actually wear one!

I think the record needs to be set straight a little, a Lehengha is not only worn by Brides! In fact over in the East, it is considered a regular evening wear outfit of choice by girls and women of all ages!

I think there are a few simple steps and rules to wearing a Lehenga and getting those right is the best way to make sure that you feel confident in wearing one...

The Rules

Rule 1: Echoing the famous words- Less is ALWAYS more when wearing a Lehenga… 

Rule 2: Make sure you choose the right shape of Lehenga, whether it be fishtail, A-Shape, Full   

             Circle, know what style suits you best...

Rule 3: Know that there are different way to wear a Duputta/Chunni (scarf) and make sure you 

             choose a style that suits the Lehenga best but also makes you feel comfortable...

Rule 4: Don't be afraid of wearing a short Blouse, for some strange unknown reason we are happy to 

             wear short blouse with a 'sari' but not with a Lehenga, essentially a sari and a Lehenga are 

             very similar, why not transform your Lehenga to look like a sari by draping your Duputta 

             across the front of the Lehenga?!

Rule 5: Choose the right style and the amount of accessories , if the Lehenga is quite heavy 
             don't over do it with the accessories, if the work is quite traditional for example keep the 
             jewellery rustic too, maybe try something as simple as a maang tikka!

Rule 6: Know that different types of embroidery work will have different types of effects on a 
             Lehenga, by that I mean for example a heavy stone encrusted Lehenga will look more 
             Bridal, but a simple Lehenga with Gota Work will look fun and effortlessly youthful and 
             not at all Bridal...

These lehengas are fun and striking and use embroidery work that is stunning 

This coral Amrita Thakur and gold and turquoise Arpita Mehta creation demonstrates Rule number 1 & 6 perfectly Gota Work for example just looks so simple and charming on a simple silhouette 

The key is in how you drape that Duputta, try wrapping it around like in the pictures above to create the illusion of a sari whilst still allowing those beautiful blouses to shine through

The Nath - A Comeback or a Disaster Waiting to Happen?

The Nath (nose ring) has been making one hell of a comeback of late, and its literally everywhere from the red caprert to the runway! Sonam Kapoor was first spotted donning one at Cannes Film Festival and Vidya Balan followed suit, once again both rehashing the big question: to wear or not to wear?! On the runway both Karl Largerfeld's Bombay-Paris Pre-Fall Collection 2012, Sabyasachi  and numerous other designers at Lakme Fashion Week had their models rocking these controversial accessories. 

A Nath to me is like marmite, you either love it or hate it, and personally, unlike marmite - I love it! They ooze edgy elegance and worn in a complimentary way, cannot only be extremely flattering but can make a showstopper of an outfit. The Nath or nose ring has come along way from being considered as a traditional ethnic accessory worn by brides primarily. Now I think there is a more diverse place for nose rings, Topshop and ASOS have both caught onto the rebirth of the Nath selling them as not only a accessory worthy of a night out on the town but as a more wearable daily accessory for the more daring of  fashionistas. 

Style Spotlight - Sonam Kapoor

This weeks Style Spotlight falls on Sonam Kapoor, Bollywood actress and full time fashionista. Yes I admit I am a bit of Bollywood film fan (Indian cinema for those of you who are unfamiliar), and it was Sonam Kapoor's movie Aisha that made me take notice of her serious flair for fashion. Her father is the incredible Anil Kapoor who has appeared in various Hollywood ventures, most notably for his role in Mission Impossible 3 and hit TV show 24. Sonam Kapoor is one of my favourite style icons alongside Olivia Palermo and Rachel Zoe.

Now, she is seemingly never afraid to take risks on the red carpet her style effortlessly mixes both traditional Indian wear and edgy Western Designer wear, its a hard decision to say which style she looks best in, but for me I would have to say it's when she dresses in traditional Indian wear that she looks flawless, her designers of choice are not your average selection either, ranging from Satya Paul to Anamika Khanna, Shehla Kahn and Ridhi Mehra and 'traditional' is a long stretch of the word, but Sonam has this uncanning ability to take Indian wear to a whole new level. She's famously donned modern new 'concept' sari's to edgy overcoats over classic sari's to the most elegant anarkalis (long indian dresses with matching trousers/pants.)  Sonam also has an eye for stunning accessories that would make anyone envious! Her choices range from modern Outhouse pieces to the most classic of Kundan work jewellery (Indian Stone work.) 

This young starlets style mixes everything from Jean-Paul Gaultier to Vintage Dolce & Gabanna and countless more illustrious designers and honestly she could give any young Hollywood starlet a run for their money! Sonam continues to raise the style stakes and is fast becoming India's most stylish star, and  it wont be too long before we see her rising to  a truly international platform. 

Take a look at a few of my favourite Sonam Kapoor style moments!