Say HELLO to Blake Lively, one of the most stylish women around. Rising to fame [and fortune might I add!] thanks to the hit TV series ‘Gossip Girl’, Lively plays a Rich New York Upper East Side socialite called Serena Van Der Woodsen whose live is always revolving around cunning schemes [mostly getting staged by her BFF] and getting her heart broken. Yet, with all these woes, she pulls it off in style. Serena Van Der Woodsen never has a hair out of place and you know what? Her real life alter ego, Blake Lively is on par.

Blake Lively is the perfect woman. Not skinny or fat, she is toned and fit, something ALL women aim to achieve! With her lovely golden locks, tones body and legs that go on for miles and miles, she is definitely one of the hottest women in Hollywood, a rising style icon and has also joined a league of fashion immortals by becoming the face of Chanel.

Blake Lively dresses up in such a way that it never fails to complement her body. I applaud her for having the body of a REAL woman.

For someone who loves fashion, one things for sure! She is DEFINITELY crazy for shoes and Blake Lively is no exception! She has always worn some of the stylish, latest shoes. Any new release, its on her feet. I don’t think anyone has any complaints because she carries it off in style and grace.

Here is Blake looking like a goddess. If you didn’t know who Blake Lively was, now you do! Make sure to check up on her, on and off screen. She is definitely one to look out for and we could all learn a thing or two from her and her personal style!

We have many style tips to learn from her and here are the top 5:

1. ALWAYS dress to complement your body.
2. To be sexy, you don’t necessarily have to wear short skirts, dresses or show skin in a trashy manner. Do so in grace.
3. Always make a statement with your shoes! They DO make a difference!
4. Elaborate hairstyles aren’t always the key. Let down your hair and let it take its own shape and course.
5. Lastly, don’t feel scared to experiment!

So there you go! This May, I stress on the fact that you experiment with your personal style!

 When I did the last post on Which shoe suited a woman best, I got a request on our Facebook Carlton London page for a Men’s one too and I thought that would be a great idea as I have NEVER done a post on Men’s shoes or style here and for that, I beg your pardon. From now on, equality ladies and gentlemen and we begin with this post!

So Gentlemen, hold on to your seats as I bring you a list of the shoes that will suit your personality and all in all, a list of shoes you MUST own. IF not 10 pairs, at least one. It’s always, always good to have the essentials because you might never know when you might need them.

1. The first on our list? Boat Shoes! Boat shoes could very well be cast under the category of ‘casual’ and ‘outdoor’ shoes. In fact, they might as well be the outsider because for some reason, they just aren’t given preference anymore! These shoes call for some careful styling and care and if you’re the kind of man who has a sartorial style and can make any style work for you, I suggest boat shoes. They are very resort wear and rather perfect for summer. For the man who likes a fashion challenge and can can make a style statement, boat shoes are your thing!

2. Moccasins. Now who doesn’t want to be the Moccasin man? Causal yet formal and oh-so-chic, Mocassins are perfect to be caught dead in. If you’re the kind who digs comfort and high fashion and style, these are your god send shoes. mocassins say that you’re serious about life and such but yet, you do not ignore your other priorities [which include looking good]. These shoes provide you with the perfect outlet to do anything you want [from dancing to running] and still keep you looking slick!

3. Oxford Shoes. These are your standard formal, dress shoes and this is the one shoe that is made for every man. You NEED a pair of formal shoes and there really is nothing better than a pair of oxfords. In black or brown, wear them if you want to make a statement. Office or parties, these shoes will definitely help you stand out. You will be the man who knows how to dress for an occasion and not just some passerby who wants to dress up for the heck of it!

4. Dress Boots. These are the new kids on the block and every teenager and 20 something boys are out to get them. They are the younger, informal interpretations of the dress shoes for men and if done well, they can look super stylish! So, if you’re a young one, I’d say these boots were made for walking by you. wear it with your skinny pants or denims that can be tucked in just a little. It will look modern and stylish!

5. Penny Loafers.For the man who has gone through all the style changes possible in his life time finally comes to a close with a pair of Penny Loafers. Known as the shoes for the great minds that goes to the like of Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale, Penny Loafers are the butt of all jokes. I wonder why because these shoes have such dignity and class. Definitely for the older men who have accomplished much of what they want in life, Penny Loafers are the perfect comfortable sole companions.

So there we are. A list of 5 shoes that could be you! Which one do you identify with? Which one do you like? Which one would you like to try? Go on and find out! It’s fashion and you can definitely have some fun with it!

Which shoe are YOU?

Which one would you choose?

Which one will you wear?

Which shoe will choose you?

Women have a habit of buying shoes that are just pretty. We are fascinated by pretty things in pretty colors so we are really unfortunate victims to the shopping habits. Especially shoes.

A big problem I’d say! So today’s blog post is going to be about identifying which shoe is the one for you and if you really must spend, spend it wisely on a kind of shoe that you will wear. [Because I assure you. I have a lot of 'trophy' shoes]

There are numerous types of shoes so for today, I have chosen the ones that we all know best. While it may be about choosing the one that you wear the most or like the most, it may not always suit you for some reasons. I’m no expert but I shall share a little of my knowledge with you! Read on:

Kitten Heels. These shoes are a little more on the formal side. They are classic. Usually, these are the shoes with a slight heel only, 2/3 inches. Stella McCartney popularized them in recent times while Chanel was a big fan of these shoes. The 1920s actually saw these shoes emerged and reach its peak of popularity. Probably the working women’s shoe, they are perfect for everyday wear. These are tricky shoes so make sure to try them on and look at it from every angle!

Oxford shoes are a variation of the Men’s shoe. In fashion however, there is no set rules for men or women so when women’s shoes were modeled after the Men’s Oxfords, it was a divine discovery. Oxford lace-up shoes came with and without heels. Comfortable and suited for walking around everywhere, everyday, its no wonder that we see the most stylish people in the world -style icons & models- walking around in a pair of these!

Here we have the wedge shoes! These are YOUR shoes if you like to wear high heeled shoes and feel comfortable at the same time! Wedges were made for comfort! They will support you and not make you feel pain as stilettos do and trust me, as a girl who loves her high heels, I most definitely know what I am talking about!! So, you stylish woman, I suggest you go for wedges if you decide to make a statement and stand up tall and straight all night long!

Now we come to the statement makers! Whether they are flats or heels or lace ups, it’s alright. The only different with them? That they will always end up looking a little different than usual shoes. Now if you are someone who is drawn to the unusual or weird, I’d say you are one of the statement makers. Revel and bask in it for you will always be different! In this decade of fashion, it’s the rule of the unconventional .

Stock heels. Again, another form of comfort shoes for sky-high heels. Most people quote these shoes as ugly and lacking all forms of sex appeal but I care to disagree. Stock/platform heels add so much more quality to a shoe and in fact, it actually does make your legs look longer. If you have a problem with stilettos [like me] but would prefer to wear heels all day long and also, if you have tiny, skinny legs and calf muscles and would like to disguise that, Stock heels are here to rescue you!

Ballet flats. The perfect shoes for everyday and any day. You MUST own at least 2 pairs of ballet flats because they are useful, versatile and are super-duper cute! While it reminds us that we’re back in school, there’s no denying that we love them. Contrary to popular beliefs, ballet flats are not only for the girly girls. They go really well with jeans and shorts and other ensembles too. So while everyone may have a type, its safe to say that every girl needs a pair of ballet flats.

And finally! We come to pumps and stilettos! I personally feel that when you wear pumps, you should be of a certain age. It’s not necessarily an older woman’s shoe but it has an air of grace and charisma and unless you have attained the art of being a refined woman, you cannot wear these shoes! For the woman who has achieved everything she has ever wanted but will strive for more, for the woman who knows what she wants, for the woman who has impeccable taste in fashion and has cultivated her very own personal style… in my judgement, YOU are the stiletto woman.

So choose well ladies. Sometimes, we can be more than one kind of shoe but its also dependent on your likes and dislikes too. Keep in mind that its best to identify yourself with your shoe early on so as time goes by, you always know exactly what you want!

She is the eternal goddess of style. Never a hair out of place, Victoria Beckham is the woman to watch. Remember the 90s when she was a part of the Spice Girls? The alluring, mysterious skinny brunette girl? Sure, she didn’t sing too much but there was no denying even then how hot she was.

What happened next? She married David Beckham. The man that all women wanted and men wanted to be. I wouldn’t hand it to luck. If it was luck, it might have run out for her by now. Its strange that in a time and place where every celebrity marriage has an expiration date, these two are going strong with 4 kids. Now THAT is admirable and we cannot deny that it ain’t love!

The power couple have it going on for them. Forget the money, they have the looks, the style, the endorsements and of course, their kids, family and love. I guess they’re pretty happy. If not, they can share their wealth with me. Just a little!

Coming back to Victoria or lovingly known as “Posh Becks” to her fans, I think she is the ultimate style icon and the one to look up to. She has so much flair and always dresses for occasions. She never gets it wrong and always has her best foot forward in the best shoes EVER! Her shoe collection must be worth millions and yes, I wouldn’t mind stealing it! From Christian Louboutin’s to Jimmy Choo’s to Louis Vuitton’s, she’s really got it all.

And the best part about her is that she does them justice. In fact, everything just seems to look better on her!

Even after becoming a mom and taking care of 3 sons and one daughter, she still looks fabulous! She loves her kids and never ignores them and with her designing career, she still had the time to take care of herself and look fab! Super Mom or what!

She really teaches us a thing or two about outfits and putting them together and although she loves black, she likes her colors from time to time. Its all about what suits her body, her skin tone and what she’s comfortable in. She finds comfort in super high heels and well… who are we to judge? I can’t go beyond 5 hours in 5 inches! I salute her!

So David Beckham, while others may say Victoria was lucky to snag you, I’d say YOU are lucky to have her in your life! She could rule the world and I think it would be a damn good world!

So to all the fashionistas out there, I know you feel the same as I do. We LOVE Posh Becks! Here’s to more of her style statements, rocking hair do’s and shoes that could kill.

x

 In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we celebrate all thing pretty, pink and rosy and of course, cupcakes! Lets not get all mushy this year but instead, lets really understand and celebrate this day that most of us wish was really a national holiday!

The problem with Valentine’s Day is the stereotype that we have created around it. Tacky red roses and chocolates don’t cut it anymore. Sure, a romantic dinner with champagne or wine is pretty fancy and dreamy but what is the purpose and point of it all if you’ve made this the rule? Is it special at all if that’s what you’re doing all the time with the next person you happen to be celebrating Valentine’s Day with?
Not at all!

There is so much more to this day. It’s really about sharing and celebrating it with the ones you love. This would include your family, your friends and of course, your better half. It doesn’t have to be all about expensive gifts too you know. Maybe a quiet moment with your near and dear ones is all that matters.

So this Valentine’s, do it different. Do it with the real feel and all that love. All you lucky ones who have the love of your life by your side, lets celebrate some love, people!

This year, its all about plush pink and pretty things so even if you are really a rock chick at heart, lets think pink for this one day! You can still channel the inner you with accessories but in terms of colors, I vote pink!

Here is a mood-board below for inspiration:

… and of course, don’t EVER forget that shoes are a main event and this time, we have so many shoes at Carlton London, you’ll be lost for choice! Also, with the sales going on, you can snag several of these beauties!

Drop by at the Carlton London store in MGF Mall, Gurgaon for a quick wardrobe fix!

You wouldn’t regret it!

Here’s wishing you the best Valentine’s Day ever!

Much love.

Hope 2012 has been a cracker of a start for you in life, love and of course, fashion. In the world of fashion, everybody is preparing for the up-coming fashion weeks that will put the world in a frenzy. Paris, Milan, New York, Tokyo, London and even New Delhi. 

So whether you are attending shows or not, I know you would always want to be at your stylish best. With this collection of pictures via www.thesartorialist.com, here’s some fashion advices for you. The first and most important thing? Its really all in the details. It doesn’t even need to be the biggest label name by the way. Just the details, the way you put your outfit together and the way you present yourself in your ensemble.

 1. The best and simplest combination for color-blocking. Simple, elegant yet so modern and edgy with the addition of the red pants.

 2. How to wear the over-sized, boyfriend blazer and still maintain a girl touch to it. Don’t forget to wear loafers! Not only do they add a casual touch but its a classic and spell super comfort! Carlton London have a great collection of loafers in various colours so make it a point to visit the store in MGF Mall, Gurgaon.

3. This is the way to make your canvas shoes chic! An oversized shirt with a detailed color and those canvas shoes [like Converse] and oh! A touch of Red lipstick and ta dah! You’re all set. Casual Glam Chic. 

  4. Flowing florals and gladiator sandals. Who thought that would make such a strong stance in fashion? But it seems like it makes the perfect couple. Keep the length of the dress shorter if you’re not very tall and take your hair back, all slick with bright pop lipstick. Keep this look ready for the summers. 

5. A twist to the usual old boring winter sweater or jacket. Keep the look minimal in black but invest on a jacket that has a twist. It doesn’t have to be like the picture but it could be in a different color like pink or neon, zipper details, color blocking, floral/pinstripe/ polka dots or some other interest prints on them. Keep your eye out for the odd ones. They always make a fashion impression.

So there you go. A few tid bits of fashion tips. Try some today! Fashion is not limitless even in terms of the weather and in fact, winter IS the time to be all fancy. 

See you next time. xo

Sometimes its not only fashion that can be inspiring. Natsumi Hayashi lives in Tokyo with 2 cats and photographs herself levitating everywhere. Each day, she posts a levitating picture of herself on her website: www.yowayowacamera.com

While most levitation pictures are done on photoshop by overlapping two similar images, you can’t tell whaty Natsumi has done. In some of the pictures, she really is levitating or jumping to be more precise but she does it in such a graceful manner, you are forced to believe that she has the power to levitate! That’s probably what she wants to achieve and has achieved. 

Japanese people are known for their quirks be it in literature or fashion [think Haruki Murakami, Yasunari Kawabata, Junya Watanabe, Yohji Yamamoto] so it’s no wonder that Natsumi is another one of those genuinely, creative and out-of-the-box Japanese individual who has left people awestruck.

I hope you’ve found these pictures as inspiring and lovely as I did.

x

Do make sure to check out her website!

You can’t separate a girl from her shoes. You can gift her diamonds and sweet smelling perfumes but she will always have that extra something for the shoes on her feet. Its a sole to soul connection.

Sure, some shoes may be just a little outlandish for us at times but that doesn’t stop us from admiring the beauties strutting on like they rule this entire world. Wearing heels is not the easiest of feats. We need to keep in mind [most importantly] where we’re wearing them to. Fashion events? Hello heels! House parties? only if you’re planning to sit pretty the whole night. Bad roads are also an absolute no-no. You don’t want to kill your shoe soles. 6 inch heels may look amazing but if you can’t walk in them, don’t take chances. You don’t want to fall flat on your face and sprain an ankle. Not a good feeling! At the end of the day, every girl wants to wear heels all the time and if you can find the time and place, I salute you! Strut them heels.

Here is a small wonder of the shoes that are there in the world. [sigh] Wouldn’t you want a pair for yourself? I Would! I would grab them all at a go.

Now, to try and ride a bicycle with heels. She must be a master at wearing heels! We need to learn from her. Whatsay?

x

all images belong to Tommy Ton of www.jakandjill.com.