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.

Boyz Zone - Summer Feet

Gentlemen, it is now time for us to do one of the best things we do. Let’s go buy some shoes, let us make our feet happy. Summer heat would not stop us, for we have some of the best footwear known to mankind trending now. Here we shall give you a hand in picking the right ones.

For obvious reasons, we guys picture ourselves in a pair of sneakers the minute we think about the sun and outdoor combination. But there's more to having happy feet in summer than just the sneakers. And that, to couple with fashion is a whole different ball game.

Consider the Skater shoes or the Converse type Slip-ons. Hanging out with the boys? These sneakers would make weekends more casual and summer all the more cooler. Pair them with casual jeans / shorts and you are ready to go.

Want to display some matured air? Moccasins are the best way to do it. These shoes go well with pants and V-neck Tees. The Deck shoes are for you if you want to grab attention through your attention to detail. Get these vintage pieces and look timeless. And better, they come out in a wide range of colours.

Sophistication and attitude is your thing, if you happen to own some sleek Loafers. These comfortable slip-ons bring out class as you walk. Or you may want to go with the desert boots if you are thinking of getting it rusty. These classic boots are not only comfortable, but also bring out an air of enigma.

One more option to spend money on is the Brogue. These low-heeled shoes worn with loafer socks would look austere and stylish yet. Then we have the feet-friendly Canvas, from the all cool Nautical Canvas to the sneakers and Lace-ups, you never run out of options. And the best thing is, the beach loves them.

Another thing that the beach loves is the flip-flops. The most easy and simple of all and they bring out the lethargic dude on screen. Or keep it simple and plain with the thong sandals.

Head-out and shop now, because like we mentioned earlier, it is one of the best things that we do. And it is after-all one of the few things women notice in us.