Some summer trends may come and go, but certain basic essentials will always be in vogue. Especially those from your summer side of the wardrobe. As the temperature shoots up, all our favourite tees, comfortable denims, shorts and comfy shoes make a comeback. There will always be that one pair of jeans you will never get enough of, or a crisp white shirt that has been your wardrobe staple since forever. Every girl has got a list of basics that they can't do without. Well, needless to say, I have got mine too. Here are some basic pieces that should make it's way into your wardrobe:

A white crew neck tee

Pair of well fitted Blue Jeans

A crisp white shirt

Pair of pumps (either nude or black. I prefer the former)

A bright coloured bag

Pair of flat sandals in a neutral colour

A statement watch

Pair of sunglasses

A basic denim jacket (In summer - mostly for the cinemas)

A pair of white sneakers

The most basic yet timeless look that I swear by would be the white shirt / tee + blue denim combination. It is the most versatile look that can be amped up with a bold lip, statement eyes or just, some really cool accessories. Plus, you can easily take it from day to night by switching from your sneakers to a pair of pumps. However, I like to take the minimalist route. A statement watch and pair of sunglasses are the only two accessories I need to complete my favourite summer look. For winter, I like to layer this look with a jacket or even a long trench.

Outfit: Zara, Levi's and Swatch Watches | Photography: Ranveer Dua

Location: J.W Sahar, Mumbai

Love,

The Dancebee

Seasons greetings to one and all! Tis' the festival of lights, joy, happiness and warmth. We hope you've had a wonderful Diwali weekend with your loved ones, making each moment a memorable one. While on one side, we have got festivities on in full swing, we are also ushering in the wedding season, which will be at it's peak in the coming months. The last season (early 2016) was an important one for most friends, as they tied the knot and welcomed a new phase in their lives. Once again, the time to celebrate great Indian weddings is upon us and most of us can do with all the inspiration possible to look elegant (and get some good pictures with our besties, while we are at it). So, I recently created this simple Indian festive / wedding special look using products by MAC Cosmetics (including a few products from their festive range). Read on to get a step-by-step tutorial to achieve this look.

A few years back, while flipping through a magazine, I came across a quote which read, “Finding a great watch is like finding the perfect husband. Pick a great one and you are sure to keep it with yourself forever.” Well, I agree with every word said here. On most days, a watch is the only accessory that I swear by. I personally believe that the right watch can really make a difference to your overall look. I have a decent collection of watches which I wear everyday, including my go-to Swatch Irony, which compliments both formal and casual outfits very well.

We all know that the sale season is just around the corner. This time, instead of running around frantically to get a dress at 60% off (which I know you will, eventually), think about investing in a beautiful watch. If not for yourself, watches make for a great gift too. And for those who are not too keen on visiting a store, most well known e-commerce sites do have great deals on popular brands. Plus, the return policy process is quite smooth too. Online shopping in India for the win, baby!

For those girls who can’t make their mind over the endless number of styles, colours and variety, we have got a list of our favourite watches this season for fans, which is sure to sort out your dilemma. Well, there is a ‘watch’ made in heaven for everyone.

The ‘Sporty’ Girl

You clearly love big watches and that is not a lie. I am a self confessed Sporty Chic look fan and I can never stop collecting watches with big, fancy dials. Oh, and chronograph watches with sporty details are everything.

Our pick: Michael Kors Women's Bradshaw Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Watch 

Bon Chic

Lovers of the good ol’ classic watch have tons of options to choose from. Be it a Swarovski Aila Day in Pink Leather Straps, a simple yet stunning Marc by Marc Jacobs Women's Baker Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band or the ultimate epitome of Luxury - a rose gold Cartier; take your pick and stay true to your classy style.

Our pick: Clé de Cartier Watch

Style Princess

You often make a statement in your gorgeous floral dress or the right pair of shoes. Someone who always manages to keep her best foot forward. You keep it minimal on the accessories front, letting your statement watch do all the talking. Let your watch collection grow by choosing from Chopard, Tag Heuer or Titan Raga’s latest collections.

Our pick: Chopard Happy Sport 30mm automatic Rose Gold watch

The Tech Geek

For those who are always on the go. Those who love a slice of tech in everything and anything. The market is filled with smart watches in almost every colour and size. Right from tracking your fitness activities for the day to changing wallpapers and of course, checking the time, the smart watch is your one stop-shop for everything.

Our pick: Apple Watch Sport 38mm Rose Gold Aluminium Case with Lavender Sport Band

Got a favourite already? Or have you been eyeing a specific watch since sometime? Join the conversation on Twitter at @priyaadivarekar

Love,

The Dancebee

With the cold breeze bidding adieu, spring is almost here to say hello and so are colourful hues. It's time of the year when we welcome summer / resort trends and see them all around us. Some  fashionistas have been experimenting with these trends already, one of our current favourites being Colorblocking, a trend that burst on the fashion scene in the 80s - 90s and keeps getting bigger year after year. We saw it at Bottega Veneta, Akris among others last year and the trend is fast becoming a favourite on the red carpet too. Celebrities took to colorblocking and gave their outfits a spin of their own, but it looks like the orange and pink combination was a clear favourite. We spotted some popular Indian and International celebrities sporting this trend and we must say, it's turning out to be one colourful affair!

Who? - Taylor Swift

Where? - Grammy Awards (2016)

Taylor Swift shone like a bright star in this gorgeous Versace outfit, as she walked home with three Grammy awards this year. The custom coral and fuchsia two piece outfit, bold lips and that hot new hairdo was the perfect combination for a superstar. Slay it, girl!

Who? - Katrina Kaif

Where? - Fitoor Promotions (2016)

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif was among the first few to sport the color blocking trend in 2016. Dressed in a Jill Jill Stuart two tone gown, Katrina kept it simple with just bright pink lips and a pair of gold hoop earrings by Isharya. Perfect to brighten up any dull day, no?

Who? - Rihanna

Where? - Night out in New York (2011)

Trust Rihanna to make us fall in love with everything that she picks! Although she wore this outfit in 2011 (Yes! Almost five years ago), it is still one of our favourites. The magenta and orange combination here is perfect for both Fall and Spring. Perfect outfit to channel your inner rockstar, no?

Who? Emma Stone

Where? - Met Gala (2014)

Ah! The queen of colour blocking. Is there anyone who can nail this trend better than her? Remember her Giambattista Valli peplum ensemble? We couldn't take our eyes off that gorgeous look. Though she has impressed us with her colourful choices at several red carpet events, one of our favourites has to be this pink on pink two piece Thakoon outfit, that she chose for the Met Gala in 2014.

Who? - Richa Chaddha

Where? - Dior dinner (2015)

Another Indian actress, this time Richa Chaddha chose this gorgeous Andrew Gn outfit for a Dior dinner last year. The bright, bold colours compliment her gorgeous skin tone perfectly. Oh, and we love how she has kept it minimal with both less make up and accessories.

Who? - Leslie Mann

Where? - The Other Woman premiere (2014)

Now, this lady is some serious inspiration! Flaunting that perfect figure and looking absolutely stunning in this orchid silk linen gazar bandeau and poppy silk gazar draped ball skirt by Monique Lhuillier is none other than Leslie Mann. What's amazing is that instead of going minimal, she chose to add a touch of drama by colour blocking her nails and lips as well. Also, don't miss those gorgeous Oscar Tiye Cleopatra sandals.

Well, we can't wait to sport the colour blocking trend this season! We are eyeing our favourite outfits and accessories already. Do you have a favourite colour blocking look? Do let us know.

Love,

The Dancebee

So, while we got you all set for a Lunch date in our previous post, it's time to glam up and get set for the ultimate date night. Ditch those typical LBDs and gowns for something more elegant this year. But hey, who said you have to let go of bling? In this post, we decode the make up and look book in a step-by-step tutorial, as featured in our special editorial for the New Woman Magazine (February Issue). Get set to look glamorous and achieve that perfect look for a special date night, this valentine's day.



Step One: Set the base as per your preference (you can follow the steps mentioned in our Day Date Look). 

Step Two: Since we are creating a look for an evening / night date, I have added a hint of bling with darker hues on the eyes. Start with a light base colour and spread it well all over the eye area. I chose the 'Pure white' shade from the Sleek Matte Eyeshadow Palette. Next, I chose the shade 'Maple' (from the same palette) and blended it well with multiple strokes on the crease. The idea is to get a darker hue of the shade. Apply a hint of the 'Pure white' shade on the inner corner of your eyes. 

Step Three: To add some drama, use a metallic eye shadow on the lid and blend it well. I have used the Kiko stick eye shadow in Golden Beige. Blend the maple and gold hues at the fold of your eyelid.

Step Three: Use a liquid eyeliner on the top lash line. Create a thin line using the Lakmé Absolute Gloss Artist (Black) and create inner inverted edges towards the end.

Step Four: To make your lashes look voluminous, add a swipe of the MAC Haute and Naughty Mascara. Use the large oriface to add volume for a dramatic look.

Step Five: To highlight your cheeks and get the perfect flushed cheeks, I used the Honey Bronze Highlighter by The Body Shop, which can be used both as a highlighter and a cream blush (use at least 3-4 layers for the colour to be visible). Start near the apple of your cheeks (image 1). Use it in the upwards direction (apple of the cheek to the temples). Start by blending with your fingers and then, use a blending brush for the finishing touches.

Step Six: Create an outline with your lip-liner. I have used the Kiko Lip Pencil in classic red. Fill in with a retro matt red lipstick like MAC Ruby Woo. For those who need a touch of gloss, you can choose the Lakme Absolute Gloss Addict in Red Delight.

For the Hair: Use an anti-frizz serum to ensure your hair stays in place. Make two tiny braids on both sides and pack them at the centre behind using pins. Spray some hairspray for better hold. You can also choose to curl the ends. Add some fancy hair accessories at the centre to complete the look. If you have side fringes, leave them naturally open for a chic look.



And finally, add some blingy drama to your outfit with a pair of metallic shoes and clutch. You can also choose to accessorise it with some rings, but I kept it simple and preferred to go the minimal way with just a cuff. Throw on a jacket, because nights continue to be cold in February! Oh and hey, enjoy your date.