Soldering The Camouflage

From war front to the fashion runway! Last season’s designer collections were attacked by the camouflage print. Since then the crazy-cute military print is all over the place! We are witnessing the military influence on everything from shirts, parkas, skirts, shoes, tights, tops, and trousers.

Fall winter 2012 collections from designers like DKNY, Edun and Rachel Comey, appeared with different textures, prints and various fabrics and camouflage was one of them. Although the original military print has an edgy army streak to it. But all thanks to the designer who have transformed the way we use to see camouflage before. There’s something about camouflage that makes it both gritty and glamorous!

After limiting itself to the category of jackets and parkas during the first round of fashion weeks, camouflage caught fabrics like crepe, chiffon, georgette and even sequins embellishment. The military print is so versatile that it can amalgamate with almost all kinds of looks, be it ethnic or western.

Here are the top three coolest ways to camouflage yourself :

Old War Remains: If you are lucky enough to have your grand dad to be an ex army guy, then nothing like it! Old military pieces look even more rugged than the contemporary camouflage print. Dig up his old wardrobe for an authentic-vintage military uniform. Jazz up your old piece with studs and patchwork to work the latest style. Target pockets, cuffs or epaulettes and turn into a fashion soldier!

Play with the Print: Don’t restrict the camouflage to neutral shades only. Be upfront about mixing the signature camo print with new contemporary ones. Mixed-print is the latest news in fashion. You can pair it with a printed mini skirt or sequins embellished shorts for a downtown chic appeal.

Military Accessories: If you find the camo print too hard to pull off then you can always play with camo printed accessories like caps, belts, shoes etc.          

The Black & White Picture

Simply call it Black and White or give it the latest ‘it’ term ‘Monochrome’; the classy two-tone look has made an appearance back at the runways and streets. Big names like Balmain, Chanel, Valentino and Marc Jacobs have all stirred up the runway with Monochrome through their A/W2012 and S/S2013 collections. And why not? Since in this sea of trends it’s hard to differentiate yourself, black and white sets you apart effortlessly. After facing the print storm of Spring Summer 2012 fashion weeks, B&W runway trend has acted like a cleanser in the chaos. 

Play with contrast accessories while keeping B&W in the background. The tint of colour will make the colour stand out. You don’t have to pull out all your big guns for those special dates. Just finish the duo with bright lips, some gold-tone jewellery and pulled back hair to make a bold statement. 

Want to do the monochrome look. Take a leaf out of Koovs' Spring/Summer 2013 Monoplay collection.

1. Sequin Detail Leggings: Getting extra style points for its versatility, this pair of trousers is made for both office and out. These slim fit, mid-rise and ankle-showing pants fit the criteria of in-trend, statement pants!

Hot Tip: Pair it with a white upper and let the opposites attract. Add contrast heels and swept back hair to heighten-up sophistication.

2. Bold Striped Maxi Skirt: Stripes seem to top the never-out-of-fashion list. Tap the trend with this striking skirt from KOOVS. B&W combo makes both colours pop out.

Hot Tip: This skirt, a body-con top and statement heels, Girl, you are ready to hit the high street!

3. KOOVS Jersey Outline Midi Dress: A LBD with a monochrome twist, this midi dress is a must-have for every fashionista. Its contrasting criss-crossing lines make the dress wearable for even plus size figure.

Hot Tip: Break the lines with a bright belt or pair it with black tights fail-safe look.

4. Square Frame PrintedSunglasses: Now that’s a how classic gets new avatar. Patent square frame turns funky in B&W print on these cool sunglasses from Carlton London.

Hot Tip: Add these to your monochrome casual or single-coloured dressing and let the pair speak your style.

5. White watch with H-Shape Dial: With the dial set in the shape of brand's iconic 'H' initial, this Hilfiger timepiece works well for both boardroom & party. The rose gold finish at the edges brings an affluent feel to the watch. Sturdy white straps of this analogue complete its fashion-function feature. 

Hot Tip: Add a bohemian twist by wrapping some metal-finish bracelets along. 

6. Studded White Sandals: This season, we just can’t get enough of studded pieces in our wardrobe. These white wedge-heel sandals with studs glamorously set on the multiple straps are a cool take on the rock and roll style.

Hot Tip: Work this pair with anything from ethnic to western. Matching white accessories would be a plus point.

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Welcome to the Fashion Jungle

Blumarine

Fashionistas have always been inspired by animals in their designing. Every fall winter collection has an animal print that rules the FASHION JUNGLE and this time it is the leopard. Take a walk on the wild side by sporting this audacious trend with a favorite fashion staple.

Balmain

Dolce & Gabbana

This season, the leopard replaced the snake which was the most favorite of all until last season. From Dolce&Gabbana to Balmain, Mango to Forever 21, every designer, Indian or international is trying his/her best to catch up with the leopard print. It has that uncanny ability to add sex appeal to any ensemble.

Animal Prints from Koovs.com

Leopard prints found their way from pretty scarves and dresses to finely shaped bags and shoes. This print has a very mysterious and sultry look that adds a little edgy effect to your wardrobe. You can embrace this trend from your common to a hot chic wardrobe. For a corporate look and you can choose a leopard print coat or shirts by MANGO and KOOVS, for clubbing you can choose from marvelous options by Femella from KOOVS and ZARA. When you see it for the first time, it may seem like it is difficult to put on that daunting outfit, but it is really easy to pull this off. You can rock this bold and striking look by going subtle on accessories and colours.


To check out more on animal print styles visit: http://www.koovs.com/animal

Get Coloricious

GeT CoLOrICIOuS

Bewildered about what to wear for your stint out in town? The grace of those blacks and single-toned dresses might look like an enticing option. Yet, have you been playing it too safe of late? A couple of dates with black and a time will come when you’d want to break out of the ordinary and go all out with something refreshing, exciting and new.

Here’s an advice for all fashionistas – go vivacious, go colourlicious! While it just comes naturally to some people to play with the palette and come out in strikingly charming fashion ensembles, others may find it tedious to mix &  match colours and might just end up creating quite a disaster. So, even though it’s usually right to go with your instincts while playing up your outfit some knowledge of a few little tricks of the trade can ease out the entire process and actually make it a whole lot of fun.     

Don’t be shy of experimenting. Any colour, be it neon blue or fluorescent green, can make heads turn if you can pull it off with flair. However,  it’s important to not go all out, all at once.

 You can create wonders by placing big chunks of colours next to each other. Apply this concept to your tunics, dresses and even shoes or handbags and, you’re good to go. Use the trend wisely and you can even create a slimming effect with the incorporation of stripes or some pattern! But, make sure you put the technique to use carefully. Use it to accentuate just one part of your look. Carrying a colour-blocked handbag with a colour-blocked dress is a strict no-no. 

 Too many cooks spoil the broth and, the saying applies to fashion as well. Using too many colours in a single look can take the focus off you and result in chaos.  Especially while using strong & bold colours, it’s advisable to be a little stingy on the spectrum you put to use in the ensemble.  All in all, there’s a reason why we call it ‘playing with colours.’

Don’t think too much and just break out of the monotony of the whites and greys and blacks to explore a world that’s bursting with colours. Fashion is, at the end, in many ways like Physics.  The right amount of colour, carried off with a generous dash of panache,  a little X-factor and set to the right temperature, can create ignition. Or even fireworks, if you wish!

 Picture Courtesy: Pinterest.