Tag

Auburn Umbrella

Browsing

Due to factors like lack of space in PGs and hostels, and the chance of moving places after you graduate, it is always a good idea to have a minimalist wardrobe so that there is one thing in life that you have sorted.        

A minimalist wardrobe includes clothes that are dynamic and durable. It focuses more on quality over quantity, because you have the intention of not only having a select few clothes with you, but also keeping them for longer periods of time.

The best way to immediately determine if the quality of a clothing item is good is by looking at what the thing is made out of. “Try thinking about shopping for clothing the way you shop for food. A lot of us look at the ingredients our food is made out of, why don’t we look at the materials our clothes are made out of?” questions Ingrid Nilsin, YouTuber fashion guru.

To declutter, you first need to decide what’s important to you and what makes sense to you. Choose comfort and your personal aesthetic and get rid of the things you’re not happy with. What will remain will be a beautiful amalgamation of pieces that bring you joy which you can dress up or dress down.

You need to focus on classic items, that withstand the test of time rather than going with trends.

Some essentials for both men and women:

 

  1. Black/white crew-neck T-shirt: A T-shirt is something that almost everybody wears several times a week, and a crew-neck is both practical and stylish. Colours like black and white are the safest options because they go with just about everything, but you could play with colours like olive, brown and grey.

 

  1. Blazer: A blazer immediately makes you look put-together and creates an impression of you being serious in life. This could come in handy for you ,as students, because there are interviews, seminars, and conferences, etc. popping up every now and then. A good blazer is definitely something you should invest in.

 

  1. Denims: They don’t kid when they say, “live in Levi’s”. A good pair of jeans will support all of your clothing single-handedly. Plus the variety of cuts, shapes and styles ensures that everyone is happy with their purchase.

 

  1. Trousers: a more sophisticated alternative to jeans would be a good pair of trousers that fit well and are comfortable. Bonus points for good-sized pockets!

 

  1. Classic button-down: nothing says I am ready for the world louder than a crisp button-down shirt. These can be dressed up with heels/dress-shoes, or dressed down with sneakers, and look equally good in both cases.

 

  1. A denim/leather jacket: if you find a good jacket, run with it, and never look back! These could be life-savers for people who possess minimalistic wardrobes and will instantaneously lift up your look.

Apart from these, accessorise like a bag that you trust, a few good pairs of shoes, and a watch will do wonders to your daily look.

 

 

Feature Image credits: Invent your image

Maumil Mehraj

[email protected]

Gear up for fall, the season may bring its blues, but don’t let it affect your fashion hues!

Rustling leaves, and crimson and golden streets filled with scrumptious leaves, autumn can mean many different things to many different people. It can mean shedding the past and moving forward for some, or can act as a horrid reminder that the winters are approaching. While everyone has their own interpretations for fall, let’s focus on how this season is a boon for your fashionable spirit.

 

  • Make denims your best friend

Denims, by far are the most versatile clothing in your closet. Be it the denim jeans/skirts or denim jackets, there is simply so much you can do with them. Focus on being big on denim. Denim jackets are the most accommodating top-wear you can have. The best part is that they are so easily available, from flea markets to luxury brands, they can be found in different cuts and colours everywhere. They come in blue, purple, pink, and classic denim, among many other colours, and look great paired with leggings and a midi-dress.

Auburn tip: Go for a denim on denim look, without feeling lost or insecure. Faded colours in oversized denim jackets along with a maxi denim skirt or flared jeans is a good outfit option.

 

  • Cliché’ with Cardigans

Cardigans are probably the most comfortable and every man clothing you will find. When it comes to styling outfits, a cardigan can prove to be your best friend. Stick to more greys and olives, as they are the perfect neutral colour to add to the hues of the season. Pair it up with your denims for a casual look, or chic it up by pairing them with a sundress. The best part about fall is that you can mix and match summer and winter looks to create a whole new outift. 

Auburn tip: stick to more oversized cardigans to give a raw but appealing look to your outfits.

 

  • Stripe it all out

Invest in your fall wardrobe by emphasizing on stripes. A striped sweatshirt is the perfect blend of comfy and stylish. However, be aware of which stripe pattern you choose. If you have a curvy figure, accentuate it with horizontal stripes, if you are petite, stick to vertical stripes, to elongate the figure.

 Auburn tip: pair an oversized striped hoodie with black leggings, for a comfy ootd (outfit of the day).

 

  • Boot-ilicious

It goes without saying the most basic essential for your fall and winter closet is a nice pair of boots. Selecting the right boot may be a tough task considering what you are going for. Ankle or thigh high boots, tan crème’ or suede black shades, are all good options to be paired with most outfits. Uggs are another option for a stylish boot hybrid, that keep you warm while making you look good at the same time. They go with every outfit, so it is a good investment for sure.

Auburn tip: Go for patterned stockings like polka dots rather than a staple fishnet to add more thrill to your boot-outfit.

 

  • Burgundy is a must have in your closet

Burgundy and all the crimson-wine shades are a must-have in your closet. Autumn and burgundy sync together perfectly. Be it burgundy knit sweaters or a beret cap, a lovely scarf or a pretty tote bag, it complements the fall season perfectly.

Auburn tip: stick to darker makeup. Keeping burgundy and darker shades in your makeup palette is an ideal choice. Remember, autumn and winter are more inclined to strong colour palettes, unlike their summer contemporaries.

 

  • Who said Bandanas are only for the summers?

Bandanas go perfectly with summer outfits but who says you cannot experiment with them in fall? You can use your bandana in many more ways, apart from the headband look. A neck scarf, or a wrist scarf, it is the definition of gracefulness. You can even style your bandana by tying it on your handbags.

 

Auburn tip: Tie a bandana around your neck, as a scarf,  for a new twist on the classic headgear.

 

  • Load up on accessories

It is the small details which make for a well-coordinated outfit. Load up on accessories like beautiful scarves and stoles, beret caps, etc for a more Parisian vibe. Belts and chokers are accessories best paired with an edgy denim jacket.

Auburn tip: Autumn is also a good time to experiment with your hair. Darker shades of brown or blonde look good as they compliment most outfits. 

 

So welcome this fall season with the perfect wardrobe and don’t let the seasons blues get to you.

 

 

Feature Image credits: Sazan Barzani

Avnika Chhikara

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

Nail Art has been trendy for a while now and promises to stay in fashion for the time to come. Instead of paying big bucks at fancy salons and parlours to jazz up your nails, here’s how you can actually achieve them at home through the help of the following everyday tools.

  • Masking Tape

While masking tape is definitely one of the most important means of achieving those clean, straight lines, tapes that we use on a daily basis, can also be employed for the same. The application remains the same and can be substituted in the place of it. A variety of effects like grids and Chevron, or simply to avoid spilling of nail paint beyond the enamel, are some things that the tape can singlehandedly solve.

  •  Dotting Tool

In theory, the name sounds majorly complicated, giving an air of importance to the tool itself. However, the purpose of it remains extremely simple; to make dots. In place of a fitting tool, the back of a toothpick or even Bobby pins can be used to achieve that effect of polka dots or round figures in general.

  •  Newspaper

This might seem a little out of the blue but newspaper becomes another everyday utility item that can be used for a nail art technique. You just need a white base coat, rubbing alcohol and strips of newspaper and you can easily achieve the newspaper effect.

  •  Rhinestones, glitter, and gems

The above can be easily availed at a stationery shop at very reasonable prices. For all those girls who love a dash of glitter, this is all they need to really add that oomph factor to their nails.

It is up to the creativity of the artist itself to figure out how to use these techniques in the best creative way possible. However, it becomes important to invest in good quality matte topcoats and versatile nail paints to actually add a professional sheen to it.

 

 Feature Image Credits: BuzzFeed

Anoushka Singh
[email protected]

 

 

Anoushka Singh

[email protected]

Colour giant, Pantone, has declared Purple as the colour of the year 2018.

Purple is often associated with novelty, luxury and extravagance and is said to exuberate a certain aura of power. The colour comes in several variations of shades, to fit every occasion and mood, be it lilac, lavender or violet, making it extremely versatile. The colour has been donned by some of the most well-known celebrities in the world, like Priyanka Chopra and Victoria Beckham.

Here are a few ways you can really pep up your wardrobe by incorporating the colour purple in it:

  • Signature rings and earrings

Rings are something that never go out of style. Oversized rings for casual wear, or purple studded statement rings that are perfect for the evening, can up your accessory game by several notches. Subtle lilac earrings shaped as roses, or for a flashier look, purple danglers inlaid with stones, will provide the perfect pop of colour and style.

  • Purple hair colour

Dip dyes, streaks, ombre and balayage are the most popular hair colouring techniques in today’s day and age. For all this who are into experimenting with hairstyles, and going crazy with hair colour, purple as a hair colour might just be what you need to add that extra oomph factor. It not only blends well with dark hair colours but even suits the Indian skin tone fabulously.

  • Sundresses

When we think of sundresses, we think of colours like yellow, often not paying heed to the rest of the colours. However, the idea of a sundress in lilac or lavender sounds like an interesting way to liven up your day. Team it up with a casual pair of white sandals for a perfect brunch look, or layer it with with a neutral toned sweater or shrug, to cheat a windy day.

  • Nail art

Nail art with subtle hues of lavender, or contrasting shades of violet, can be a great way to style your nails. Purple glittery nails to jazz up a dark evening outfit is a fun look for a night out.

There are plenty of ways in which one can incorporate this regal colour into their outfits. Experiment around, and find out what suits you best. After all, purple is the new black.

 

Feature Image Credits: That Boho Girl

Anoushka Singh

[email protected]

Meeting your better half’s parents for the first time is a big step in a relationship. By doing so, you’re saying that you’re ready to solidify your relationship. 

Like in a job interview, the stakes here are high. The last thing you want when you are in the middle of such a situation is to worry about your clothes. Your style is something that should offer confidence, not be a hassle.

Here are a few tips that will make your partner’s parents remember you for all the right reasons.
Consider the Context

Dressing appropriately for the occasion and location is important. For women, if you’re going to a midday brunch and you are not sure how ‘dressy’ the crowd will be, avoid the backless dress and gold hoop earrings. And men should not whip out a three piece suit and tie if they are meeting their partner’s parents at Big Chill Café. But if they are going to a slightly fancier place, then they need to do better than jeans and a t-shirt.
Go Classic

If you’re meeting your boyfriend’s parents, don’t let your outfit be dictated by the trends. Turn to your ethnic wear essentials for the big day. Whether you like it or not, in India, timeless pieces such as a kurti and a pair of leggings would say you’re in for the long haul whereas giving in to trends might make you seem flighty. For men, jeans and a plain, perfectly clean, white buttoned t-shirt or an elegant white kurta is a look that is classic.
Familiar Footwear

Fancy or new shoes can be uncomfortable and make you wobble. Therefore, it is a wise move to have footwear which feels familiar. For men, a simple pair of loafers will look good. Above all, make sure to have matching socks underneath. And women may leave their 5-inch heels which can make them twist their ankles at home and should instead settle for ballet flats or kolhapuris. That should finish their look nicely.

A Cautionary Note on Accessorizing

For women, it can be tempting to opt for all their best jewellery when meeting the parents. But wearing too many accessories or jewellery that is gaudy or flashy can be a distraction. Simple earrings or a necklace will make a good impression.
You can also complement the outfit with a simple metallic or leather strapped watch.
While clothes definitely play a role in the impression that your beau’s parents form about you, what’s more important is how you behave. Nothing will knock their socks off like a confident, polite, self-assured, and well-mannered person.

 

Feature Image Credits: That Boho Girl.

Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak

[email protected]

 

Denim rules the fashion world and the sheer varieties make it accessible and comfortable for all body types. 

Work pants made of denim were the first form of jeans, worn by miners as early as the 17th century. The earliest use of denim refers to a serge material from Nimes, France. This explains how denim got its name: serge de Nimes, which later evolved to “de Nim” as it was a tradition to name fabrics after the place of origin. Today, jeans cut out of denim materials are an essential in every wardrobe. They come in so many different varieties, and sizes that it is surprising. Here’s a basic guide to the major types of jeans that exist, and are trending in the market at present.

  • Skinny jeans

This is the most popular and most worn denim. As the name suggests, the fit and length generally need to be close to perfect. The jeans come in low, mid, and high-rise waist cuts, all of which are usually stretchable. Because of their body-hugging form, one can really play with layers and add cool, funky, and even slouchy coats, scarves, oversized boots to them, their form-fitting nature mellows down the layers creating an on-point outfit. Pair them up with a cool belt. Body-hugging tops or jeans that gather at ankles are an absolute no.

  • Boot cut

This is an extremely versatile piece of denim and can be fashioned in any way from formal occasions to late night parties, these jeans if styled properly can be your best friends. This style is tighter on top and looser on the bottom, with a slight flare. For a bohemian look, pair it with tops, v- ecks, round necks, that have a flowy material like linen, silk, cotton. To get that classic 70s look pair it with high heeled boots. Metallic chunky heels are ideal if one is going for a party look. Just ensure the top hits just below your waist to balance out the bootcut of the jeans.

  • Flared jeans

A 90s  fashion statement, these jeans are back again and are really trending. They fall somewhere in between boot cut and bell bottom style trousers. They look best on tall and curvy women, those who are pear-shaped, and round body types.  Although it is recommended not to wear them if you are short but cropped flare jeans can be a great option. Pair your flares with a fitted, crop top for the perfect retro look. However, if you want to portray yourself as more contemporary, pair them with looser and longer tops.

  • Boyfriend jeans

As the name suggests, boyfriend jeans literally look like they have been borrowed from your man. They are extremely versatile and are literally everywhere from runways to the lazy airport look because the whole model-off-duty vibe never fails to appeal. These give you a great fit near your waist and hip area and broaden a little bit as they move down. Their distressed version seems to be selling like hotcakes literally everywhere. Opt for a super relaxed look by pairing it with solids, round necks, minimum accessories and contrast it with a great pair of high heels.

  • Jeggings

Jeggings are basically leggings composed of denim. They are incredibly body-hugging and have replaced the standard buttons with an elastic band. In case you are conscious about your legs, choose darker colours as they give a slimmer appearance, and go for tops and layers that are below the hip. Pair them with cropped sweatshirts or hoodies for an effortless, sporty yet stylish look. Jeggings always draw attention to your lower half so make sure you have some awesome shoes to flatter your attire.

Feature Image Credits: Fustany

-Bhavika Behal
[email protected]

 

A Minimalist yet stylish wardrobe may sound like an oxymoron to some, but there are innumerable ways to achieve it.

1) Make a detailed inventory of your possessions- Make a list of all that you own. Ensure that you take into account whether those clothes fit you anymore. Once you have a clear idea of what all you own, re-organising your wardrobe would be significantly easier. Make a list of essentials and basics that you do not have. Over the months slowly incorporate these essentials into your wardrobe one by one. Since the point of minimalism is owning less, buying everything in one go would be against the very point of this exercise. Therefore, take it slow on the purchase front.

2) Buy only what you need and love- Remember that shopping is not a leisure activity that is supposed to fight boredom. Do not buy things simply because they are on sale or because you might fit into them one day, or because you think it looks fairly good. Buy only what is necessary or what makes you look and feel absolutely confident. Any piece of clothing or accessory that you buy should be comfortable and versatile. Think of buying investment pieces that may be costlier but will last longer. Avoid fast fashion, shoddily made clothes with a short shelf life at all costs; they lack the gravitas needed to become a part of a minimalist wardrobe.

Image Credits- Madamois-Elle
Image Credits- Madamois-Elle

3) Develop your aesthetic- When we aren’t sure of our personal sense of style, we end up buying things that look good on us but are not expressive of our personality. These pieces of clothing may be cute individually, but if they do not reflect our style we would not do justice to them. They would remain piled up in our wardrobe, adding to the clutter and taking up precious closet space. Experimenting and trying out new things is important, but buy something unconventional only when you know you will be using it.

4) Set your own definition of minimalism– If you are adopting minimalism, one would assume you are tired of excessive consumerism and clutter. Therefore, it is you who should determine how religiously you need to follow this lifestyle. Minimalism does not mean your wardrobe needs to be full of charcoal greys and blacks. Having a minimalist wardrobe does not mean you wouldn’t buy yourself fun clothes to wear on a night out. A minimalist wardrobe serves the purpose of making your life easier, not restrict your choices. Buy that glittery dress to wear on your friends’ birthday and remember, it is cool to repeat!

Image Credits- Madamois-Elle
Image Credits- Madamois-Elle

A minimalist wardrobe is an act of rebellion in this world of fast fashion. By adopting it, you would choose sustainability, organization, and peace of mind. Develop a minimalist wardrobe so that your morning routine is simpler and getting dressed seems fun, not a chore.

 

Feature Image Credits: Madamois-Elle
Kinjal Pandey
[email protected]

 

It is intriguing to see how the different events in history have influenced and changed the way people have dressed throughout time.

 Some of the most popular fashions are classic, and hardly ever “go out of style”, while other clothing items could be considered “fads”- styles that are never to be worn again. Fashion can also be influenced by world events such as war or the economy. For example, during World War II, people were forced to create simple outfits that were practical enough for wartime duties. Let us see how from the 1940s to the 1990s, popular fashions reflected the changes in society as the styles of clothing and accessories evolved with time.

The 1940s

Fashion in the 1940s was a good mix of comfort and glamour. For men, suits, ties and hats were commonplace in public. Women wore dresses and skirts, almost always with a pair of gloves. Fur was very popular, as were animal skins. No animal was off limits, as crocodile purses, lambskin lining, and leather sleeves became popular. Overall, clothes in the 1940s were very bright and colourful.

The 1950s

By the mid-1950s, James Dean from the movie “On the Waterfront” popularised the style of the “greaser”. Swept-up hair, jeans and leather jacket defined the look of a rebellious teenager who felt misunderstood by his parents. The waistline was a major issue in the 1950s. Some women liked the snug fit of their dresses while others liked the dresses with no waistline, often referred to as “sack dresses.” The important thing is that people were beginning to feel a little more freedom when it came to their fashion choices. No longer did people feel like they had to conform to a certain look for certain situations. Moreover, 1957 was the year in which Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (at age 74) became “an adjective in her own time.”

The 1960s

Fashion in the 1960s was bi-polar in just about every way. While the early sixties witnessed styles which were more conservative and restrained, the late 1960s popularised psychedelic dyed shirts, long hair and beard for men and unbelievably short skirts for women. It’s almost like the 1950s bottled everyone up to such an extent that in the late 1970s, they exploded like an old pressure cooker. In the 60s, for the first time in the 20th Century, London, not Paris, was the center of the fashion world.

The 1970s

 Much of the experimental, so-called “hippie” style with its floral patterns originated in the early 1970s. It is probably the first decade in history when women could be seen wearing pants in every walk of life. One new style that became quite popular were pants that looked like a dress. They were called Palazzo pants. Men weren’t wearing hats anymore, their hair was much longer and they didn’t always tuck their shirts in.

The 1980s

By the mid-80s, pop music stars like Cyndi Lauper were ushering in an entirely new style, wherein bright coloured accessories like sunglasses, bangles and hoop earrings were a necessity. Loud makeup and neon were no less important in this style. Society’s love for the brand was epitomised by the Coca-Cola brand clothing in 1987. MTV had a huge impact on fashion, as teens across the US were tuning in to watch music videos starring wildly dressed celebrities. By the late 80s, Nike had grown into one of the most profitable clothing companies in the world. Like Coke vs. Pepsi, Reebok vs. Nike was the athletic wear battle of the decade. With the help of Michael Jordan, Nike won the war.

The 1990s

Ripped jeans were popularised for the first time in the 1990s.Teens were digging through their dad’s box of old clothes to get their hands on some authentic ripped jeans to wear. Boys and girls both wore baseball caps in many different ways. By the late 1990s, musicians had a much greater influence on what young people wore than designers. Hence hip-hop style was arguably the most popular among young people.

 

Feature Image Credits: Polyvore

Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak

[email protected]

Even though you love the way the cold winter winds play with your hair, they can leave your hair dry, rough, and frizzled. Winter winds lack moisture and if your hair is not properly nourished on time, it can lead to permanent damage. Follow these tips to take care of your hair this winter season:

Oiling:

During the winters, your hair requires oiling at least once or twice a week. Without the oil nourishment, your hair can develop dandruff which can even lead to scalp irritation. Massaging with coconut or olive oil works best for all kinds of hair. In case you have developed dandruff, the best way to nourish your scalp is by mixing coconut oil with lemon juice. Apply the mixture from roots to the tips for best results.

Warm Water:

While washing your head, use lukewarm water and not hot water as it strips off the scalp from its natural oils. Hot water dehydrates the hair and scalp severely which leads to frizzy and dull-looking hair.

Conditioning:

During winters, a conditioner after shampooing is a must. Start applying the conditioner from the mid-lengths to the roots, concentrating mostly on the roots as that is generally the most damaged part of a person’s hair. The conditioner locks in the moisture and makes your hair smooth and shiny. A leave-on serum after squeezing the hair carefully with the towel is a must-do, as it prevents the hair from becoming static.

Drying:

Blow-drying your hair during winters can lead to permanent hair damage. To counter this, try air-drying. However, if there is no other way other than using your dryer, dry your hair on a cooler mode. Drying them at the least hot temperature prevents it from becoming frizzy and dull.

Making extra efforts to take care of your hair does not take long and can go a long way in keeping it healthy and shiny.

Feature Image Credits: About Lifez

Prachi Mehra

[email protected]

We probably have to thank good ruling ladies for the return of the elegant fashions, be it Adele with her cat eyeliner, false eyelashes, and beehive, or Lana Del Ray with her flower crowns, elegant gowns, and glamorous bouffant do.

There are trends in the fashion world we are glad to see make a resurgence, and there are times when we get an unexpected blast from the past we never asked for. Fashion is an undeniable roller-coaster of weird, wonderful, and innovative styles, both for better and for worse. Auburn brings you lists of evergreen fashions, sexier comebacks of past trends, and trends that better not make any riposte.

Preen Evergreen:

  1. Glitzy Sequins- Be it Michael Cinco sequined gowns or not, glitter and glamour in sequins are never out of fashion in any decade.
  2. Gingham- It is one of those cute, geometrical designs (the other being polka and florals) that will forever be associated with an airy and light-hearted look, and won’t be out of our wardrobes.
  3. Denim- Comfortable and trendy, east or west, denim is the best.
  4. Camouflage- A must in every closet, the military green, animal print and its camouflage design may not seem like a “hot” trend but it endures.
  5. The Casual Plaid Shirt- It is one of those trends that are timeless. The type of fabric used to make the plaid shirts vary from season to season, nevertheless giving the same elegance.

Blend that Trend:

  1. Chokers- Almost every tinsel town actress has been seen sporting this goth accessory. The Zeenat Aman inspired look from the 90s has made a stylish comeback being a well-nigh complement of everyday outfits for all the girls.
  2. Off-shoulder and Crop Tops- These tops and dresses have become quite the thing of late. And why not, they add just a dash of sexy without revealing too much!
  3. High-waisted Pants- It’s no secret that these pants keep making a comeback on the catwalk. They are flattering for the lower body, making one look taller and leaner.
  4. Overalls- Comeback of overalls means just that with the right combination, they could be your hottest look now.
  5. Round Glares- John Lennon brought these glasses into fashion in the 70s and 80s, however of late people have been carrying the look with panache. Hopefully, they are back for good.

Fashion Blunder:

  1. Crocs- It’s got a bad enough reputation to have ranked a spot on Time’s “50 Worst Inventions”.
  2. Super Low-Rise Jeans: Coming up next is yet another bastardized branch of an otherwise perfectly fine piece of clothing – the extra low-rise jeans that look so uncouth.
  3. Bedazzled Denim: It’s hard to look bad in denim until you go around looking like you are simply donning rhinestones. It’s probably best to stay away from these bling-dipped jeans.
  4. Half-and-Half T-shirts- The concept is pretty simple: cut two tees in half and stitch one side of each together but, RIP pour one out. This one went to the great hype graveyard in the sky and let’s hope nobody brings it back.
  5. Sweater vests- First, vests are just impractical to begin with but the sweater vest was a whole new level of blunder. They can usually be found on a ridiculously oversized shirt from the 90s and better stay there to never come back.

 

Feature Image Credits: Nuffnang Malaysia

Radhika Boruah

[email protected]