How To Choose Fabrics To Flatter Your Body

We keep discussing about what kind of clothing looks good on what body type and also suits your personality. It is important to also choose the right kind of fabric for any outfit. Looking Chic and Stylish is much more than blindly following what's in fashion - knowing how to dress your body shape and understanding the type of fabrics, cuts and designs that flatter you is the best way to show off your figure. Mostly, we all are smart enough to know what looks good on us, yet at times we tend to forget some pointers to keep in mind.

In this article I would cover some simple rules each and every woman should follow in an attempt to look presentable and in vogue. Honestly, it is a task with exhausting toddlers, work woes, erratic gym routines etc. to keep our looks and fitness in check. Apart from the basic rules about what kind of clothes compliments your body types, keeping a check on fabrics is also a good idea. With the ongoing trends and designers experimenting with varied fabrics, you have a lot to pick and choose from.

Some Fabrics you can explore on different body types.. Read more here - http://www.fashionlivemedia.com/how-to-choose-fabrics-that-flatter-your-body/

Do you keep fabrics in mind when you choose an outfit? If yes, do share your pointers on how it is an advantage to wear the correct fabric for the correct outfit pertaining to your body type.

Style Tips For New Moms

If you have taken a sabbatical or are on a maternity break you just get spoilt. A long period of being at home in your own space and mothering a baby 24/7 leaves you a bit lax about yourself. Initially, when you conceive you invest in a lot of maternity clothes and during your pregnancy you get pampered and you like to dress up and flaunt your baby bump. The Baby arrives and come out even more comfy and casual clothes. Tees and Tracks become your staple.

It hit me when I had to go for a job interview almost 2+ years after my son was born. So I just did what I do best, promptly went and shopped for a couple of formal outfits. lollzz Of course the job never came to me, maybe it wasn’t meant to me. And then of course I found my calling. Well, not only did I drastically change my professional line I also realised that even if I am going to be a stay at home working mom I will still look after myself and enjoy my new role.

Anyway’s I jotted down some stuff for new moms who want to get back to work and even otherwise:-

• Ditch Maternity Wear - As comfortable and practical are your maternity clothes a maximum of 5 – 6 months is more than enough to wear post the baby’s arrival. It is extremely hard to take out time for yourself but take it from my personal experience if you don’t start early it just piles up.
• Wear nice clothes – Your body size has changed yet it doesn’t mean that wearing ill-fitting or loose clothes shall hide that excess flab. That is a myth. Don’t go all out and fancy, yet wear something that brings a smile to your face and not make you look drab.
• Hair – I am sure and I say it from experience that new moms can do better than scrunching up wet hair and neglect hair care to carry on with other chores. I figured out a simple trick to this. Firstly, have a head wash and leave your hair in the towel for a bit. Then, open them and do a quick blow dry so that they aren’t dripping wet.
• Make Up – It always uplift the mood to apply make up to enhance your looks. I always apply kajal and a lip gloss.
• Work Space – Since I suffer from OCD I had this planned even before I had thought of what I am going to do once my son was a little older. A nice wooden desk was my choice. However, I know a lot of my friends who work from home even use their dining table as their work space or any nice nook in the living room.
• Comfort Zone – Like most offices have a space where all colleagues meet for a quick tea break and to discuss more fun stuff than office chores, similarly even at home create a space where you would want to sit when taking a break from work. For me that is my reading area, it’s got easy seating and I just take a breather when am completely fried.

Are you a stay at home working mom? If so how is your routine like? Share with us!

Sahachari Foundation Exhibition

Talk about Charity and you cannot miss the name Sahachari Foundation. The way a Mother nurtures her new born to adulthood, this organisation has been taken to great heights by the strong women who have chosen to work for the cause selflessly to empower Women. Since its inception in 2009, the passion and enthusiasm refuses to fade. Year after year the wonderful team at Sahachari strives to bring some of the best talent together to showcase their brilliance under a common platform.

Following is the list of NGOs participating in the exhibition:-

• Om Creations Trust
• Haste Khelte Foundation
• Shraddha Charitable Trust
• M.Rm.Rm. Cultural Foundation
• SMILE
• Victoria Memorial School for the Blind
• Women's India Trust

Versatile and Talented duo designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla also join hands for this charitable cause and present their pret collection.

NIFT Alumni and Innovative Designer Atsu Sekhose will also be launching his preview collection for this noble cause. His rich and famous clientele include Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone to name a few.                      

                                                                                       

From Kids clothing, to Women wear, Home Accessories you have an array of products to choose from and you won’t leave without a smile on your face and of course some shopping bags as well.

                                                                             

So do come ladies for this one of a kind shopping extravaganza and make your presence felt for this wonderful cause.

Venue – Indoor Stadium NSCI  Worli

Date & Timings – 3^rd September 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

                             4^th September 10:30 am – 7:00 pm

Fashionable New Mums

Becoming a Mom is easily the most exhilarating experience of all in our lives. The Joy we experience is immense and immeasurable. The journey of Mommy hood is beautiful and gratifying. Each day is filled with new learnings, new discoveries and of course new dilemmas. Are we doing it right, will the baby benefit from this or that, hope it won’t harm the baby, etc.

In the course of being a perfect Mom laced with expectations from the whole world, we forget that we are Women first. We have a tendency to quickly immerse ourselves in any role that is given to us, be it a daughter, daughter in law, wife and most of all as a Mother. Our World comes to a standstill and nothing but our Children take precedence. However that shouldn’t hold us back to look presentable and look after ourselves. More so because our bodies may change and in order to accept ourselves it’s better to be well prepared. 

Some fashion pointers I have started keeping in mind while getting dressed:-

• Coats and Blazers -  The most easiest and fashionable way to look good. I personally love layers and they look so chic and smart. You don’t need warm coats; even cotton layering in this weather is great. So you can don a singlet and wear a shirt with jeans. Leave the top few buttons open and your look is complete. Make sure you wear a bright coloured coat to show the contrast. :)
• Scarfs – Not only is it a versatile accessory, it also alters your look within minutes. I always keep a scarf handy. It also keeps me snug when I have to go for an impromptu movie date with hubby. :)
• Skirts / Palazzos – I have taken a fancy to palazzos. I have always loved skirts, they are so much fun to wear and make you feel all girly and gorgeous. Palazzos also look great, pair it with a fitting top and chunky accessories.
• Fitted Pants – I love cropped, fitted and coloured pants. They have been in rage all of last season, and continue to be so. My only problem is that I only have them in shades of pink and red. Guilty!!! 
• Tees/Tops – Post pregnancy because of changes in our mind, our wardrobe needs to suit our body, we may need to make some serious changes. I personally love tees, however I keep those for the more casual and work out looks. I love lacy dressy tops and tunics. They look really nice and elegant and suit most body types.

Most important is to remember that we have a great individualistic style and should always stick to it. I admire some celebrity moms and often try and take inspiration from them.

Some Too Cool Celebrity Moms to get inspired:-

·        Twinkle Khanna – Fun, Feminine and Flirty is what best describes Twinkle Khanna.

·        Victoria Beckham - Known for her bold look, she is one classic mom.

·        Shilpa Shetty – The Print Queen. And she carries it off with so much ease that you really wanna be in her shoes.

The Art Of Accessorizing

Truly an art and loved by all women alike. I don’t like to dress up or wear jewellery said no woman ever. The more bling the more trendy it looks. It’s all about making a fashion statement. Whilst it’s easy to accessorise it’s also important to keep few things in mind. If you can follow a simple rule to not overdo it, you can look fabulous when you don on even a big bright choker. The key is to look elegant yet stand apart from the rest of the crowd.

My take on the Right Way To Accessorise:-
http://www.fashionlivemedia.com/how-to-accessorize-the-right-way/

Accessories do change with the ongoing trends, however try and keep it more close to your aesthetics and preferences. Get the best quality you can buy. Do not compromise. They will also last longer and be your individual style statement. Your personality should not be based on the kind of look you carry, rather on the kind of person you are and also your expertise in your professional circle.

Some Don’ts to Keep in Mind:-

Do not go overboard with the accessorising bit. One statement piece at a time is good enough.You don’t have to wear all your junk jewellery in one go. While wearing your bling stuff don’t wear more than you can handle. People should not get the impression that you are a show off.

So go ahead Accessorise, wear your bling.. Shine On.

Throwback Thurdsday - Work or Not Post Baby!

“To Be or Not to Be” – said William Shakespeare. This phrase is almost synonymous with every woman with a slight twist – To Work or Quit who plans on having a baby and has to decide about whether or not to continue her work. And just like nothing can prepare you about how it is going to be once your baby is born, similarly if you are used to working and have a high flying corporate job it is going to be hard to get used to being at home 24/7.

I loved my work, even though I would crib about day in day out. Lollzz. Well, that was also because I took it for granted and I was in a comfort zone not knowing I would miss it terribly once I can’t go back to work each day. It took me a good one year after my son was born to realize how to be happy and content in my current space and situation. To work or not to post your baby is born is an extremely individual and personal decision based on a whole lot of factors.

·    Read more here - http://www.fashionlivemedia.com/style-tips-moms-working-home/

We're talking about sacrificing work for motherhood or giving work top priority. Yes, this is probably more a matter of opinion than science. I chose to be a Work from home mom and I have no regrets. It is extremely challenging and each day I strive to create a Work Life Balance and enjoy it.

What was your decision? Are you working full time or staying at home to look after your toddler. What do you feel about your decision? Share your feelings!

Diet For a Six Month Old Baby

The diet chart of each baby is varied and unique as are these little babies. So planning out a specific diet chart is impossible. There is no hard and fast rule even about when you should start solid food for your baby. I started my baby on solids in the fourth month. His appetite was growing and Breast Feed as well as Formula wasn’t adequate for him so I tested waters and my son responded really well. He relished it so much the first time we fed him a quarter of a banana, that there was no looking back after that. :)

So, do not listen to the world about exclusive breast feeding is a must for the first 6 months. Concentrate on your baby’s needs and demands and then take a call. I must share a particular incident with you all to set an example. I was particularly worried when post the 3^rd month my son would just cry post his feed.

I had recently started Nan Series as well so he used to be satiated after a top feed for a while. This was happening when otherwise he was an extremely cheerful and smiley baby. I consulted his pediatrician who patiently heard me out and then said that it seems your child is hungry even after you feed him. I was like yeah I too feel so, but what to do I have to breast feed him for another few months. He had the most amused look on his face and he said ‘Who told you that?? Would you rather your baby starves?” That really hit me. It made so much sense. Thereafter, I just ensured that my baby had a balanced nutritious diet.

So there's no telling how your baby will take to this new experience. You may need a while to get used to different textures and tastes or she may tuck in straight away. Try everything slowly at one at a time and give your baby at least a week to get used to the feed. Do not Add Salt or Sugar to their meals. Once your baby is happy eating with a spoon you can increase the range of foods you offer.

Some options that I started for my little one when he was 6 months old:-                

·        Mixed puree of lentils. Try Moong and Masoor to start with. They are lighter and easier to digest.

·        A fine blend of mixed vegetables with potatoes (aloo) or rice

·        Yoghurt, Paneer or custard.

·        Mashed Banana

·        Stewed Apple

·        Mashed Egg yolks with milk

Make sure that you try making the food more nutritious. It should be a fine and smooth blend. Do not push your baby to finish your entire meal. It’s an introduction to solid food. They should enjoy the initial meals so that they get used to solid food. Be very careful about the quantities and the type of food you introduce to your baby. Too much intake of proteins, carbohydrates or fats won’t be good for the baby, There should be a fine balance in their meal. You can also buy readymade food if you are travelling; however it’s more advisable to cook home made fresh food.

Share your experiences about when and how you started feeding your baby solid food.