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Footwear is becoming the cynosure of all eyes. Shoe fetish or not, it’s nice to avoid footwear faux pas

THAT’S THE verdict: Flats are the new footwear imperative. They’ve been around for a while – the ballerinas, the gladiators and wafer-thin thongs. But this is when the craze for flats reaches grandiose proportions. It’s time to sit up and take stock of your shoe closet.

Sure, on the ramp, designer ensembles look uber glamourous when waif-like models are propped up on four-inch stilletoes or hefty-sole platforms. But as you saunter through the mall on a Saturday afternoon or even as you sip coffee, sitting crosslegged in front of your date— flats lend a free-spirited, vivacious vibe to your persona. Besides, anyone who plans to wear this season’s thigh-skimming baby doll dresses, micro minis, tents and leggings, should take the lead.
The new silhouette is youthful and flirty. And flats, with their effortlessly earthy look, can do
wonders for it.

Many of you might have gone “Pas moi!” seeing a pair of flats. Like the perpetually high-heeled goddess, Malaika Arora-Khan admits, “I have to be really unwell to wear flats. I love my heels. So for me, they’re never out.” But fashion pundits recommend the low road every once in a while. Think of Twiggy who looked fresh and gamine in her minis and flats way back in the 1960s.

PROP ME UP:

It starts with basic physiology. Shoes really determine the way we walk and carry ourselves. Any woman would agree that her shoes dictate her comfort level at any given time of the day. “Those accustomed to heels are used to arching their lower back out and being pitched forward. This instantly sexualises a woman’s silhouette and hence her mindset,” says stylist, Pria Agni. Agreed, the hopelessly heel-addicted might feel rather inelegant without that extra prop. Supermodel Jesse Randhawa points out that while she does walk the ramp in some dangerously high heels, she personally likes flat footwear, “I prefer staying closer to the ground and kick some ass when the need be,” she adds cheekily.

HOW TO WEAR FLATS:

Flats needn’t spell out virginal princess all the time. “A jewelled flat with a revealing cut can be fabulously sexy,” says model and actress Munmun Datta. Embellished flats seem to be the way to go. Pria recommends tie-ups or flats in candy colours and innovative materials like chiffon and straw to add the required style quotient. “Mary Janes, a retro style in an open toed option is very hip too,” she adds.

Sujata Assomull, Director Communications, Murjani Group who is bringing the very swank Jimmy Choo to the country, says, “We’re going towards the shift dresses of the 60s and flats look great with skinny jeans as well. They’ve transcended their role from practical musthaves to ultimate fashion accessories.” Touché to that. If Jimmy Choo says so, who’re we to disagree? Also featured in their upcoming Fall-Winter collection are gold and anthracite strappy nappa sandals with long ties that wind around the ankle.

PAIN AND GAIN:

While stilettos have acquired a bad name for the evil things they do to our feet and backs, Dr. Gaurang Desai explains that wearing wafer-thin flats for long periods can be equally harmful. “They have zero shock absorption and no arch support. Heels aren’t the greatest but flats are no better. Ensure that your soles have some sort of padding if you’re going to be wearing them for long hours,” he says. The perpetually high-heeled end up getting their Achilles tendon permanently shortened and calf muscles tightened. Desai mentions a painful condition called ‘Plantar Fasciitis’ which results from an inflamed fascia— the fibrous band of tissue connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes.

To counter other such unmentionables, shoe divas recommend alternating between flats and heels. It appears that there is no ideal heel height. Flats are ultra hip but we need some heeled comfort once in a while. Get swinging! Alternation is the way to go.

BEST FOOT FORWARD:

* Slip-ons or thongs in leather or jute: for a casual afternoon in lounge pants or even teamed with a summer dress.

* Roman sandals in basic leather: you could tie these up to your ankles or mid-calf to go with that shift dress.

* Flat pumps or ones with slight heels: the all purpose shoe.

* Close-toed basic heels in black: for the quintessential formal look.

* Flat boots or flat slouch boots in suede: for when the fashionista strikes.

* Embroidered jootis: to lend an ethnic aura to your Indian wear of fusion ensembles.

Shaping Up The Twin Assets Right

You are on intimate terms with it. Sometimes, you let the world have a peek at it. Other moments are spent wriggling in an attempt to keep it away from prying eyes. But one thing is for sure. You need it. Women have always had a love-hate relationship with the bra.


It was invented in the early 20th century to replace the tight and sometimes suffocating corset which was known to cause nausea, bowel disturbances and fainting spells.

But since a woman's 'ideal shape' changes as often as fashion dictates it should, the bra has altered several times too.

Natural fabrics, for instance, are often replaced with stretchier synthetics. And styles that once were based on the concept of 'support' are replaced by the concept of 're-shape'. Which means that these days, the bra can be as unsafe as the corset ever was.

However, since it is highly unlikely that women will ever give up style in favour of support, here's a guide to the brassiere and how to wear it right.

When international fashion dictated that lingerie should be created in all kinds of fabric including silk, lace, satin, knit and synthetics, Indian lingerie makers were quick to follow.

But, as Dr Anil Kumar Mallik, consultant dermatologist, GM Modi Hospital, Delhi, points out, there is a huge difference between the Indian and the European climate.

"Here, it is hot and humid for about eight months of the yeal:" says Dr Mallik. "Fabrics like polyester and other synthetics, even though they do offer shape and a good fit, simply do not suit our climate."

These fabrics do not absorb perspiration very well. "The constant rubbing of wet skin against the fabric causes rash," continues Dr Mallik. "That makes you itchy and uncomfortable."

And should you have sensitive skin in any case, you could be in real trouble.

"Ten to twenty per cent of women are atopics or allergic to synthetics and knits fabrics," claims Dr Mallik. But the litany of doctors' complaints against synthetic fabrics doesn't stop there. Synthetics generate static electricity. In other words, they emit heat, which adds to discomfort. This is not just a summer problem.

In winter, we tend to sweat beneath the layers of clothing we wear "Excessive rubbing and scratching can also make the skin lumpy, resulting in hard nodules on the surface of the skin," warns Dr Mallik. Acne and pimples can also flare up on the back and in the upper chest region. So what is the solution?

You can wear lingerie made with synthetic fabrics when you know you are heading for a temperature-controlled environment where you intend to stay Otherwise, stick to good old cotton.

Cotton lingerie in a variety of pretty, sexy styles is available in the market, says Rakhi Oswal, director, operations, Oswal Group, the company that owns the lingerie chain, Straps.

"Comfort is at its best with cotton, though it doesn't always give the most flattering fit and form," she says. What is the purpose of a bra? To support the breasts so they don't sag. But that little fact seems to have been forgotten. Now we wear bras according to fashion, which means they are often too loose or too tight to do our bodies any good.

"If you wear tight bras every day, the tissues and ligaments of the breasts get compressed, which leads to injury and pain," says Dr Devansh, senior plastic and aesthetic surgeon, Max Healthcare, Delhi.

An American study on the subject has found that restrictive bras block the circulation of the lymph system that plays an important part in the purification of the body. As a result, toxins in the area are not allowed to drain. Equally important is the problem of back pain. Large-breasted women who wear bras that don't offer enough support are at great risk of back problems.

To see whether your bra is the correct fit, check for strap marks on your body at the end of the day If they are clearly visible, you are in trouble. Bras that allegedly change the shape of your breasts should be avoided, says Dr Devansh. "Re-shaping is not possible. Breasts do not become pert because of bras. They only sag because of loose ones." And bras that are too loose are a also a big mistake.

"Women with large breasts in fact tend to wear ill-fitting bras to minimise the size of their breasts. The lack of good support leads to de-shaping," says Dr Ranjana Sharma, senior consultant gynecologist, Fortis la Femme.

Support group: There are a variety of straps available in the market, from criss-cross to transparent plastic, colourful to halter-neck. But how much support to do they really offer?

Without adequate support, we can develop poor posture or experience neck, back and shoulder pain. Dr Sharma advises against elastic straps. Cotton straps are the best, he says. Plastic straps should also be avoided because they do not absorb sweat Straps that are too narrow can cause nagging headaches because they put too much pressure on the trapeze muscle, leading to strain. But what about the styles: the halter-neck and strapless bras?

"They are safe as long as they give support," says Dr Sharma.

"Strapless bras should only be worn occasionally"

Underwired bras, usually, are a good option because they support the breasts well, but when the wires twist - as they tend to do when they are machine-washed instead of handwashed - they can lead to inflammation and trauma, says Dr Anita Gupta, consultant gynaecologist, GM Modi Hospital, Delhi. "And avoid underwired bras that are too tight," she adds.

FASHION TIPS FOR PLUS-SIZED TEENAGERS...

Just because you are a plus-sized teen doesn't mean you can't be a fashion queen! Check out some of these style tips:


Don't Hide Under Baggy Clothes:

The biggest fashion mistake that plus-sized teens make is hiding themselves under layers of oversized, baggy clothing. The intention is to conceal their extra pounds by covering themselves up. Unfortunately, wearing baggy clothes only makes you look bigger, and it hides the shape and figure that you do have. A baggy, long shirt will mask your waistline and make your body look much wider than it actually is. Layers of clothing will only add bulk to your appearance. Get clothes in your size, or one size larger if you like a slightly loose fit - but no more than one size above your actual size. Don't be ashamed of your body - every body is beautiful.

Accentuate the Positive:

Being a teenager is all about being fashion forward. Develop a personal style, and always accentuate your favorite attributes. For example, if you've got great calves, don't be afraid to wear a skirt that is cut above the knee to show them off. Just because you're not a size four doesn't mean you can't wear stylish outfits. Just because you don't have Jessica Simpson's inhumanly small waistline doesn't mean that you can't still have a beautiful, voluptuous shape that is totally worth showcasing.

Be Colorful:

You've probably heard that black is slimming, and while this can be true, why would you want to look like you are going to a funeral every day of you life? The gothic look is so over, and all-black outfits went out right along with it. Come out of mourning, and add some splashes of vibrant color to your life. Not only will you look better, but you will feel better. Bright colors can actually lift your spirits. Also, when you wear black, you blend into the background of things and when you wear color, you stand out - and yes, that is what you want! While it is advisable to avoid stripes if you're trying to look more slender, you shouldn't shy away from patterns.

Accessorize:

Fashion isn't just about clothes. It's also about the accessories, as every fashionista knows. You can work your accessories just as well as the skinny Minnie next door can. You should coordinate your outfit with your shoes, jewelry, and handbag. Your hair and makeup are also integral to your style. It is unfortunate that so many plus-sized teenaged girls simply ignore their appearance because they feel that if they're not skinny, there's no use in trying. This could not be further from the truth! Take care of yourself and nurture your appearance. Just because you have the biggest pants size doesn't mean you can't also have the hottest hairstyle. Look through celebrity hair style magazines, and ask your hairdresser to replicate the style for you - be sure to bring along the picture. Also, make sure that you ask your hairdresser to walk you through the techniques that he or she used to create the style - so that you can do it yourself at home.

WOMEN WESTERN WEAR TIPS...

Women Western Wear Tips:

Fashion is all about intelligent smart dressing. All dresses are not meant to be attired on all occasions. Every special occasion has its own needs and thus requires special clothing. Here we have some western fashion tips for women body type. First of all, have clarity about the occasion you are shopping for and decide on its formality. If you are dressing up for a convocation ceremony or say some conference cum seminar, long length formal wear is perfect. Formal wear should be sophisticated and decent, so too sexy or sensual tank tops and capris are a total no. Checks and stripes look fabulous in business meetings.

Fabric choice should go in consistency with the occasion. Velvet and leather is apt for winters and silk, organza and cotton for summers. Dress code defines the color for you. For the party purpose, black is simply superb. Other alternatives can be gold and copper brown. Vibrant colors add sparkling effect, but should be worn only during late evenings. For a morning party, opt for some lighter shades like emerald green, ocean blue and ruby pink or else look out for trendy pastel colors. Fashion is all about highlighting the best and hiding the flaws. For beautiful shapely legs, opt for an elegant short party skirt. To add on to the chic look, wear it with a tank top with a scarf wrapped around the neck and that also invites everyone's attention. These women western wear tips can make you look gorgeous.

A tight-fitting top is good for prom parties and Saturday nights. For everyday wear, loose fitting tops for ladies will bigger bust size are better and give them a better sense of proportion. Height is something that draws immediate attention. We often get attracted to taller people. If you are short statured, avoid short dresses. Rather go in for long skirts with nice fish cut. But if you are plump, then fish cut is a total no as it will highlight the fact. Denim is in vogue and can go with all body types. Make a conscious sensible choice and see its magical effects.

STYLE & FASHION TIPS FOR WOMEN...

Fashion is fun - It creates whimsy and keeps us from getting bored. But do not follow it slavishly. Sharpen your fashion skills with these practical tips to flatter your figure and make your clothes work for you.

Style & Fashion Tips:

* Have plenty of neutrals on hand to mix and match.

* Open collar shirts and scoop necks will lengthen a short neck. Add a long necklace.

* Tailored clothes flatter most figures.

* Buy similar styles of the clothes you already own that you think flatter your figure.

* Always carry a safety pin in your purse for emergencies.

* Shoulder pads will help you balance large breasts and wide hips, but keep them slim.

* For a quick fix, if your slacks or slip is too long, roll it up at the waist.

* Break in your shoes before wearing for an entire day or special occasion.

* Use dryer sheets or fabric spray to reduce static cling.

* If you're losing or gaining weight, go to your local thrift store and get some in-between sizes that fit.

* Make sure your pantyhose fit correctly. Tugging on them in public is a no-no.

* Don't be afraid to try anything new.

* Always clean your clothing before you store it.

* Apply your perfume before dressing to prevent staining your clothing.

* If a department store doesn't have your size, ask. Many stores are set up to call their other stores to locate and ship the desired size directly to you.

* Don't bare all. Leave some mystery to your look.

* Fix sticky zippers by rubbing them with some wax or a bar of soap.

* Secure your buttons by dabbing the backs of them with fingernail polish or clear glue. This prevents the stitching from coming loose.

* If you're concerned about clingy clothing, don't buy anything with more than 5% Lycra.

* Leather has a tendency to stretch, so buy your pants one size smaller.

* Don't fret if you see an outfit in a magazine that is too pricey for your budget. You can probably put together the same outfit at stores some shops , at a fraction of the price. Just cut out the picture and take it shopping with you.

TIPS ON WEARING & BUYING A SAREE...

Tips on wearing and buying a Saree:

* Women on heavier side should buy sarees (saris) in Georgette, Chiffon or Chignon. Heavy Mysore Silk sarees (saris) look beautiful and one tends to look slimmer.

* Shorter women should buy sarees with small borders or no borders. They should definitely avoid big borders as big borders make one look shorter.

* Thin women should buy Organza, Cotton, Tissue and Tussar Sarees. These Sarees (saris) gives a fuller effect.

* In printed Sarees, avoid big prints, as it gives a gaudy and a huge look. Delicate print on a Saree, gives a delicate look.

* Dark skin color women should generally buy dark colours like maroon, green, dark pink etc.

* In office Pinup your Saree, this looks smart and is manageable too.

* For an outing or a function, just pinup the tip of the saree and let the rest fall on your hand. This gives a very graceful look. But of course the Saree should have a good fall.

* Cotton, Tissue or any starched Sarees should be ironed properly and at the time of draping, the pleats should be done with your hands pressing and shaping it properly.

* Put the pin on the back shoulder as this keeps the saree intact and does not show the pin too.

* Don't wear a very flared petticoat inside.

TIPS ON DRESSING FOR A SLIMMER SHAPE

Here are some tips to dress like your ten pounds lighter!

If you are carrying around some extra weight from the holidays, you don’t have to cover it up with baggy sweaters and sweats. It’s easy to dress to look ten pounds slimmer while you are in the process of taking off those extra pounds. First, you should wear darker colors such as black, gray and navy blue. You can also wear pantyhose or body shapers under you’re clothes to keep yourself tucked in tight. Chose fabrics that aren’t clingy and avoid bulky looking materials. You should also draw attention to you’re best feature, for instance if you have nice legs, show them off in a mid length skirt. Also, you can wear scarves or earring’s to draw attention away from you’re body and to you’re face. Chose clothing that doesn’t have large patterns or buttons on them as they tend to make you look larger, and also try adding shoulder pads to make you’re waist appear smaller and to allow you’re clothes to hang better.

Another good tip is to use accessories such as hand bags and earring’s that match your size. If you are rather large and u have a little tiny purse, it is going to make you seem larger in comparison. The same goes for small women, because if you are tiny and have an extra large purse, you are going to look emaciated beside it. Also, if you are carrying around some extra weight, you don’t have to avoid sleeveless shirts, especially evening wear that you can wear with a shawl or dressy jacket to cover up your arms. Finally, don’t wear baggy clothes, they will not make you look slimmer. Your best bet would be to wear clothes that suggest at your curves without being too revealing. This will make you look your best.