It was glamour, fun, and five days of fabulous fashion showcased at Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) fall-winter 2009/10. The show ended with the Grand finale presented by designer Anamika Khanna who showcased her BridalSutra Line.

The designs were inspired by Indian style aesthetics and are more wearable than ever with Indian handloom, embroidery, and indigenous prints ruling desi designer's ensembles.

The emerging trends this year are surely lean silhouettes, voluminous sleeves, scooped backs and utterly feminine ensembles. Designers innovatively used pleats to offer an element of fit and flow. The colors of the season are blacks, greys, deep wine reds and ochre yellow.
Taking confident strides, models flaunted ensembles with fantastic cuts such as lehengas teamed with a slim golden belt, churidaars peeping under the sarees, pastel shades with golden borders of one-shoulder kaftans, bordered kurtas with interesting knots in fabrics, which reflected the confluence of many states and cultures.

The designers who stood out were Nachiket Barve and Rahul Mishra, both for superb cuts and wearability, Rishta by Arjun (Saluja) for a strong, graphic collection, Walnut for its sheath dresses and Wendell Rodricks, Narendra Kumar and Manish Gupta for their wearable collections for Westside. Anamika Khanna weaved together an Indian heritage accompanied by a modern eclectic touch. With color, craft and texture as her forte, ensembles wowed the audience

Bollywood was part of the event with likes of John Abraham and Mugdha Godse walking for designer Narendra Kumar Ahmed, Jiah Khan for Sunaina puri, Arbaaz Khan for Wendell Rodericks and Anil Kapoo for Kunal Rawal. Katrina Kaif walked for Barbie, all in pink! International Supermodel Naomi Campbell created waves with her stunning presence on the ramp, while SRK and Akshay Kumar caused sensations.

Take a look!

India’s biggest fashion trade event, Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WLIFW) Spring/Summer 2009, recently concluded in New Delhi. In its 12th year, WLIFW along with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) aimed at providing a platform for new talents to showcase their potential. A total of 87 designers participated in this mega event.

The event brought with it new colors, new trends and new fashion. The most popular at the show were short skirts, balloon tops, flowy tunics and dresses. Cotton and silk were the main fabrics and the color palette ranged from hot oranges and pinks to pastels and hues of navy and green.

It’s time to brush up your wardrobe and get in tune with this season’s trends. Here are some of the best and most wearable trends of fashion week.

For fashion accessories, trendy apparels and exclusive jewelry please visit www.carmaworld.com

Accessories

Accessories are going to be bigger this season than they have ever been. So here’s a quick update for you so that you don’t lag behind.

Scarves and Stoles, from basic single color to bold prints, not to forget animal prints, all will be instrumental in making a style statement this season.

Colorful Handbags, totes, pleated hobos, clutch bags are all in vogue, indulge in colors and stay away from basic black and nudes.

Belts, thick sash belts, chain belts, braided leather belts are some of the most desirable options.

Bangles- glass, wooden, metallic, multicolored will all look good.

Over sized Jewelry from huge statement necklaces, over sized hoops to gigantic cuffs,  this season is all about bold jewelry.

Sunglasses - brightly colored frames and Aviators are in vogue this season so, make sure that you do buy a few.

For an amazing range of apparels, accessories and jewelries log on to www.Carmaworld.com .

Winter is a beautiful season to look forward to after the scorching summer heat but it can take a heavy toll on your skin, if you do not take proper care. Here are some do’s and don’ts, which if properly adhered to not only help you sport a glowing complexion but let you enjoy this wonderful weather too.

Short Lukewarm baths, will do wonders in keeping your skin hydrated and you’ll save a bundle on heavy creams and moisturizers. You can also add a tablespoon of honey in your last rinse for soft and supple skin. Use glycerin based soap for best results.

Exfoliate; a good body scrub can help remove dead skin cells from your body. Add this to your cleansing routine once a week. Not only will you feel fresh but your skin will be free from all that old dry cells.

Use sunscreen, don’t say goodbye to your sunscreen just because summer is over and it’s cloudy now. Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or more.

Drink lots of water, keeping yourself well hydrated is the key to a healthy skin and a more wonderful you. Make sure that you drink at least ten glasses of water everyday.

Moisturize well, immediate application of olive or coconut oil after bath is extremely beneficial as it locks in the moisture.

Include right kind of fats in your diet, especially Omega-3 fatty acids and fish, fruits, flax seed, almonds, walnuts etc

Dress in layers, so that you don’t overheat your body and remain warm at the same time.

Grab those gloves; don’t overlook your hands and feet. Use good quality gloves and socks so that your skin doesn’t itch. If you have a sensitive skin, wear cotton mittens beneath your gloves.

Oil your hair regularly, as scalp too needs special attention to brace the chilling winds.
Cover your hair with a scarf or cap and restrict direct exposure as much as you can.

Don’t:

- Avoid hot showers, however tempting they may be. In spite of being very appealing after a long, hard day, all it will do is dry out your skin and make you even flakier.

- Soak in too much of winter sun, however relaxing it is, all it will do is burn your skin.

- Overuse heaters & blowers, as it takes away the much needed moisturizer from your skin.

- Drink hot cups of dehydrating tea & coffee.

-Lick your lips often as it will chap your lips even more.

Last but not least, don’t ever forget to wear that killing smile on your face….nothing looks more beautiful than a smiling face.

So chill & enjoy winters..!!

Do share your views and tips...

Confused about your looks? Want to know some great tips to look chic and stylish all the time? Well here are some great styling secrets that will help you achieve the desired effect.

Choose colors that complement you, wear a flattering color next to your face. For this you do need to know which hues work best for you but that should not restrict you to a limited number of colors. Hold up colors close to your face to see which ones bring out your skin tone, eye color and hair the best. Experiment and add colors to your wardrobe!

Accessorize Well, without adding too much bling, after all you do not want to end up looking like a Christmas tree. The idea is to either focus on dress or accessories and not on both. If you are wearing something simple team it up with a statement necklace, bold jewelry, a bright scarf or a stunning clutch. On the contrary, if your dress has too many embellishments or heavy embroidery go low on jewelry. After all accessories are to add a bit of sparkle and not to overwhelm!

Play up Your Best Feature, and dress for your body type. Make sure that you highlight your assets, be it your long legs, lustrous hair or something as simple as gorgeous smile. You don’t have to do something too dramatic to show off your best feature, rather just make sure that your look enhances it. Don’t let anything overpower your asset.

Stock up on Classics because trends come and go. One of the first steps to building a classic, timeless look is getting off the fashion fad track. Trend-proof your wardrobe and develop a lasting, timeless style with essential pieces that will keep you looking fabulous for e.g. a strand of pearls, bright scarves, black trousers, or that evergreen ‘ little black dress’.

Experiment The idea is to push the limits of your wardrobe and experience innovative looks. Try brighter shades if you dress in sober colors, go for a skirt if you are a jeans girl, get a new pair of heels and do away with your shoes. Don’t follow models and actresses blindly, because most often what they wear is impractical and uncomfortable for you!

Be Bold, break the rules and make your own statement. Add a dramatic touch with smoky eyes, metallic dress glamorous accessories or statement jewelry. But do remember not to over do it!

Oodles of confidence and a killing smile are the assets which will differentiate you from the crowd. So, put your best foot forward and win all hearts.

Right Hair do, after all at the end it’s all about the hair. Don’t go over the board with a complicated beehive; rather keep it simple if you have beautiful, healthy hair. Try out some chic hair accessory for that stunning affect!

Don’t end up being a fashion victim, find you own unique look and your own signature style. After all what is more important is to be comfortable and carry yourself well rather than be a drama queen straight from the red carpet.

Spring is all about colors and loads of it. If you are bored of neutrals, blacks and beige in your wardrobe, well this is the perfect time to reinvent your wardrobe and add a dash of color to it. Though neutrals are perfect for much of your wardrobe but color adds glamour and zing to your personality. So pick up some vibrant hues and make a style statement this spring.

Place colors close to your face and see which colors suit you the best. Pick out those that work well not only with your skin tone but your hair color and eye color as well.

Wear a flattering color close to your face for maximum impact.

Start by using the colors on your lips or nails or over your eye. This way you will get used to the new palette.

Add a scarf in one of your new bright colors; swap your black shoes with vibrant ones.

Even if your dress is devoid of colors add to it with bright acceTry a tube top in one of your bright colors, under a neutral jacket.

Buy accessories in vibrant hues, red, purple, yellow are all hot this season.

Use colors to express your mood, red for bold, pink for a feminine touch, black for classic, chic look.

Dress for the occasion, pink for a date, black for a formal do, red for a candle night dinner…

Play up your best features by placing bright colors right next to it.

Don’t go by which colors you should or shouldn’t wear. Never restrict yourself with laid down rules, experiment and the world is yours to explore.

Spring is here at last with some exciting trends-a lot of which we’ll all be able to pull off, no matter what our body type. I think the look in general will be soft and extra-feminine. Check out some of the most interesting trends:

Spring is all about colors, so make sure you wear plenty of it. Vivid colors like hot pink and electric blue will be really big.
In vogue this season is the little white dress for its glamour quotient.

Feminine floral prints are also going to make a comeback this spring and butterfly motifs and prints will also be quite popular.

Accessories are going to be really big this season. Opt for long oversized necklaces, big bangles and bold jewelry, stylish handbags.

Jewel encrusted clothing are also going to make a come back and will not be restricted to evening wear. In 2009 they return brighter, bolder, and more elegant. This time pieces are not just embellished but often completely encrusted by jewels; the feeling is luxurious, exotic, and yet the glamour remains somewhat understated.

In Spring fashion tends to get a little more revealing; the combination of sheer and opaque fabric will work wonders. 2009’s sheer pieces are a mixture of the soft and feminine.

Flairs, ruffles and bows are also smart options for spring. Look for bows at the shoulders and hips and ruffles at hemlines.

High waisted skirts and pants will make a style statement this season, so make sure you own them.

Single shouldered dresses and tops as well as asymmetric shoulder-lines have made a huge return in 2009. Its versatility and endless possibilities to wear it makes it one of the hottest trends.

Bohemian look will make a powerful statement this season. The best way to pull this off this Spring is to pair a bohemian styled piece with something a bit more conservative like a beige skirt or vest.

Each new season brings with it a sense of excitement. I’m looking forward to vivid colors, bold accessories and feminine prints. www.CarmaWorld.com displays an exclusive collection of apparels and accessories which I really liked. Do let me know your take on these trends.

Divas on the Red Carpet

The 81st Annual Awards were a stunning display of sparkles, glam and neutrals. Though the celebrations were toned down this year with lots of natural-hued gowns but that doesn’t mean there was less glamour than years past. Ivory, icy gray, cream, and champagne gowns were rampant but divas like Natalie added a dash of color with bright hues as well. The best of Oscars is as follows:

Taraji P. Henson was a real beauty. It’s nice to see someone with a sophisticated bob walk the red carpet. The ethereal layers on this gown are gorgeous. And that train is so dramatic.

Anne Hathway looks white-hot in her sparkly strapless gown.

Kate Winslet knows how to shine on the red carpet and this Yves Saint Laurent gown is no exception. Its asymmetrical design is perfect for showing off her curvier shape and her fabulous retro hair keeps it simple.

Miley Cyrus sizzled in an ivory silk chiffon beaded v-neck ball gown with a tiered skirt.

Penelope Cruz looks stunning. The beading, the tulle, the strapless bodice—a perfect combination. She looks like a princess, which is a good thing because she actually won!

Sarah Jessica Parker goes for the princess look in this “barely mint” Dior Haute Couture gown, cinched at her tiny waist with an embellished belt giving her gown a more dramatic feel.

Frieda Pinto looked stunning in a royal blue gown with sequined detailing and one sleeve. Everything on Freida Pinto is simple, except perhaps her dress. She has gorgeous shiny hair, divine skin, a perfect combination!

You loved them, but now is the time to decide on one ultimate. Who will earn the Oscars crown according to you? Do share your views.