The reality is as far removed from the above scenario as possible. The actual situation might be a bit more like this: You browse through racks and racks of clothing, visit over seven stores, receive no helpful inputs from his side whatsoever (he just doesn’t get that culottes and palazzos are two different things!), while he spends the entire day waiting outside various changing rooms, checking football scores on his phone and updating his Facebook status as “bored to death”.

To save yourself and your significant other from a lot of distress, boredom and irritation, Style Aria has made a list of tips to follow when out shopping with the boyfriend. Trust us, you’ll like each other better for it and might end up having a good time!

1. Have a shopping list ready before you set out. You don’t have to limit yourself to it if you stumble across a nice bargain but it’s advisable to not browse randomly while out with your man.
2. Don’t visit over 3 or 4 stores. Men have limited patience with shopping as it is, don’t test it by hopping from store to store without actually buying anything.
3. Don’t ask him confusing questions. You ask him, “Do you think cap sleeves make my arms look plump or should I rather go for 3/4th sleeves in a darker color?”, you’ll lose him. Just a simple yes or no should be your goal. Don’t let him get away with a noncommittal shrug, but also don’t go into in-depth analysis of why he doesn’t like a particular item.
4. Leave him free to roam around on his own. You would be bored too if you had to wait for hours outside trial rooms, doing nothing. Let him go to the mall’s bar for a beer if that’s what you think will make him happy!
5. Check out other girls with him. No harm ever came from having a little light fun with your man. Point out other pretty girls to him and he won’t mind if you indulge in a bit of eye-candy yourself!

Our final advice, save yourself the trouble and leave your boyfriend home! Just take your BFFs instead.

Tweed is now a common sight in designer collections and on the catwalks of London, Paris and Milan. It is no longer a fabric for ultra-conservatives, geography teachers and hunting, shooting and fishing types. Tweed has soon emerged as a must have fabric in your winter wardrobe.  It have even long been an essential for fall, with new designs appearing on the runways and making waves each season. An ideal material for chilly temperatures and frigid weather, tweed styles range from chic and casual to refined and elegant, providing endless options to dress up. Whether you’re looking for ways to revitalize the classic tweed pieces already hanging in your wardrobe or you’re new to the timeless trend, these tweed styles offer a modern take on the must-have weave. Put your own style spin to this very versatile fashion essential.

The Tweed outerwear 

Tweed always goes over easy in a classic coat, but for a twist, pair a tweed jacket with boyfriend jeans to keep it looking whimsical with a casual top to keep your overall look modern and playful. Alternately, make tweed the focal point of your outfit by layering over a chambray  patterned shirt and skinny jeans. The monochromatic top and bottoms will make the tweed pop. Talk about making a statement!

The playful Tweed Skirt 

When it comes to skirts, tweed styles offer a wide range of lengths, silhouettes and designs. For a youthful, vivacious and flirty look, opt for the option of mini, ideal for an evening out. Pairing the tweed with a fall-worthy button-up king , such as plaid or a soft flannel will ensure an easy to rock autumnal ensemble. Another popular trend this season is a tweed skirt with carwash pleats. The slits in the fabric create movement, adding interest and dimension to your look. Pair with a silk blouse and heels for an elegant ensemble. When the temperatures turn too chilly for bare legs, add a pair of tights and booties to your skirt for a chic, yet warm, look.

The elegant Tweed Dress

The tweed suit, made popular by the couture fashion brand Chanel, is a more of a go-to ensemble. Though timeless, the two piece route can also feel expected and at times, a tad reserved-don’t you think?. If you love the look of heavy tweed styles on yourself, but want to break free from the jacket and skirt combo, a tweed dress is the way to go to rock your winter.

What we all need to realise is that there are several other less-harmful, more dog-and-bird-friendly ways that can make our festival of lights so much fun! Here are 3 of them, as a sort of substitute for the act of blowing crackers (that are literally doing no one any kind of good)!

1. Dance Parties – If you just have to be loud, you can be loud in a good way. Dance the night away with family and friends and trust us, it’ll be just as fun. Might be more too! So instead of crackers, get a nice set of speakers, make a party playlist and invite all your peeps for a night of music and dancing. For decor, you already have the fairy lights and candles and you can just turn those on for extra effect!

2. Family Antakshari – Another great way of being loud and having oh-so-much fun is playing Antakshari with the entire extended family, cousins and all. Put all your guests into teams and all that is left is to start the game, le ke prabhu ka naam (with God’s grace)!

3. Card Games – We know that card games are already a part of Diwali tradition in many of the Indian households. Celebrate the festivities with a spirited game of cards or even carrom (with or without the involvement of money!) and your’s will be the much talked about Diwali bash of the season!

Make Diwali all about cheerful lights, pretty candles, exquisite rangolis, good food and quality family time! After all, in this extremely fast paced world, a festival is more an excuse for slowing down and gathering all your loved ones together rather than anything else.

Tell us how you are celebrating your Diwali this year, in the comments section below. Team Style Aria wishes everyone a safe and prosperous Diwali!

At age 89 this day, Queen Elizabeth will surpass the 63 years, 7 months, 2 days that her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria spent on the throne. In all of her years, reigning the throne, Her Majesty has succeeded in displaying the utmost composure and stability in a world that was ever so changing and full of turmoil, dedicating her selfless service and duty. She not only earned accolades in Britain, but her laurels were omnipresent around the globe. The world, sees this day as an extraordinary celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s royal record.

In actual turn of events, Queen Elizabeth II was not supposed to be Britain’s monarch. She took the throne in 1952 because her uncle Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson. Not only has Queen Elizabeth reigned as the longest but according to a recent poll, Britons also think she is the country’s greatest monarch, ahead of her Tudor namesake Elizabeth I and Victoria, who was queen for much of the 19th century when Britain built up its empire.

The Queen although reluctant to observe the day a something special, fell under the public pressure of rejoicing it. Queen Elizabeth along with her husband Prince Philip, who has been at her side throughout her reign, will take a journey on a steam locomotive to mark the opening the longest domestic railway to be built in Britain for more than 100 years.te

Here’s a quick look at the Queens reign till date

Social Media has become a huge platform around the globe. It showed its honor for the Queen by pouring in congratulatory remarks for the Queen, big names from all walks of life took to media stage to send the longest reigning queen , their utmost wishes.Here are few of the prominent tributes sent to the Queen.

Have a message for the Queen? Leave yours in the comment below.

With intriguing brand names and an entertaining work culture, these names are surely bringing something totally new to the table. The big brand names are being run over with new start-ups that boast being funky and organic. Quirky and unconventional, the new upcoming names are truly off-beat and that’s what we love about them. Shopping in an actual retail store is an experience quite different than online, but these companies are enhancing India’s e-commerce leaps and bounds.

Handmade books to customized shoes and accessories, they feature it all. And that’s all for the love of art and design!

Bewakoof: If you wear your attitude on your sleeve, this brand is for you. An online T Shirt Shop to buy Slogan and Quotes T-shirts.

Chumbak:  Born out of love for India and its intriguing travel, Chumbak started with fun magnets and became a lot more than just fridge magnets including key chains, T Shirts, bags, pens, books and various other stuff. A pop of funk and colors everywhere.

 Happily Unmarried: As unique as the name sounds. The brand establishes a quirky lifestyle brand that makes fun products. They’ve been well known to organize and add their twist to music festivals and corporate events.

Heads Up For Tails: Your little crawlers need some funk, so look no more. A pet boutique for luxury pet accessories based in India.

 Kaagazi: Adding a spunky element to all things paper, Kaagazi’s hand bound collection of creative notebooks, sketchbooks and journals is the first of its kind.

  MORA by Ritika: In Hindi,  Mora translates into “Mine” – an organic extension of its Founder Designer Ritika Mittal’s initiative to revive the withering handloom tradition of Indian textiles, among the world’s finest market.

Saundhi Mitti: Just as fragrant as the name sounds, Saundhi Mitti brings together some of India’s best studio potters and the end consumer, who remains our ultimate muse. It doesn’t get any more Indian.

MoodSwings Jewelry by Benaazir: Women and their mood swings, right? Here’s a brand giving their side of the story to it, MoodSwings is handmade for real women – someone who has her own mind, rebellious, independent, who has a sense of style and individuality.

Neha Sahai:If you’re looking for fashion statements and accessories that portray a fabulous mix of the contemporary and the classical styles, with a generous display  of eccentricity that one just can’t miss-this should be your go to brand.

Shor Sharaba: Just when life couldn’t get any more crazy, the company Offers ingenious, quirky lifestyle goods! The brand earns laurels for its Pop and Kitsch Products.

 Kya Cheez Hain: The best products depicting value for money – fun,durable,tasteful and original! They make ideal gifts for any occasion for anybody and everybody, be its kids or grown-ups.

 Bechain Nagri:  Bechain Nagri is the business of designing quirky stationery, giving these house hold drawer fillers the long awaited update. Started by a bunch of students and fresh graduates from different institutes across India who decided it was time we started paying our own electricity bills!.

Pure Ghee Designs: It’s not just the name that’s organic!. Pure Ghee Designs offers handmade bags made from unusual fabrics, distinguished by their craftsmanship and design.

Any favorite brads from our list? Any quirky brands we missed ? Lets u s know in the comments below.

He  is a career diplomat with over twenty years of experience, having previously worked in the Middle East, Latin America, Africa and Europe, as well as two spells in London. Read on to find out what he says about having lived in so many different cultures, Indian food and fashion!

Style Aria: Having lived in so many different countries, you are in a position to best tell us… how is the Indian culture different from all those other nations you have previously called home?

I’ve found most of the people I’ve lived and worked with around the world to be very welcoming, but that’s been particularly pronounced here in India. The local community here in Chandigarh have been very hospitable and made us feel very at home here.

Style Aria: How do you feel about the Indian fashion scenario? Does your wife
like any of the Indian traditional clothing?

Wow, I don’t often get asked about fashion! I love the colours and patterns here, and have a few Indian clothes in my wardrobe – some I can wear quite regularly, others I need to find an excuse to put on. My wife certainly likes Indian clothes – in fact shortly after we arrived in Chandigarh she modelled a sari for a charity event.

Style Aria: What is your typical day like?

One of the (many!) things I like about my job is the variety: I don’t really have a typical day. I travel a lot, but when I am at home during the week I normally have breakfast with my family and get the kids off to school. Then I head to the office; I’ll normally be in and out at various meetings through the day. In the evening there are often receptions or other events to go to – or to host – or maybe something more relaxed with friends. I always try to spend a bit of time with the family, though, before heading out. And if I have an evening at home I’ll help the kids with their homework, watch some television or a film with them, then put them to bed and read them a story. After that I get to spend a bit of time with my wife and/or relax with a book.

Style Aria: Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a
leader? Why and how did this person impact your life?

I don’t like to name names, but I’ve been lucky to work with some very good people during my diplomatic career. In Mexico, in particular, I worked for some really good bosses who showed me that you can be a good leader, get things done and still be a nice person. It’s been encouraging to see those people progress through the system and go on to become senior ambassadors and diplomats – it shows that you don’t have to be … less nice … to get ahead.

Style Aria: What advice would you give someone going into a diplomatic/
leadership position for the first time?

Be yourself. It’s something I’ve always believed, but leadership trends now seem to emphasise that you can’t lead “by the book”, you have to let your personality and individuality show through. Also know your strengths and weaknesses (everyone has both!), and work out how you play to the former and compensate for the latter. Actually most of the skills for being a leader are just general life skills applied in a particular way.

Style Aria: If you could invite to dinner any 3 famous personalities of the
past, who would they be and why?

The most difficult question of all! On a different day you might have got a different answer but I think I’m going to say:
John Lennon: I’m a big Beatles and fan and although he could be difficult he’s a fascinating personality.
Che Guevara: Another person whose story can be told different ways and it would be good to be able to decide for myself.
Frida Kahlo: I find Mexican culture & history fascinating; aside from her art, she lived through a very turbulent period and knew many of major players.

Style Aria: Do you like the Indian cuisine? Any particular favorites?

Too much and too many to name! I often try to eat vegetarian, and Indian cuisine obviously offers a lot of choice for that; I also have a bit of a sweet tooth, which is something I also find it easy to indulge here. And I’ve definitely developed a taste for one of Punjab’s finest offerings: chole and puri!

Style Aria: What is your own personal style like? An off-duty look that you fancy?

Relaxed. The most important thing for me is that I feel comfortable with what I’m wearing – I’m not really willing to be uncomfortable or too hot/cold for the sake of image. And as with most things I like variety, so one day I’ll go for something very classic or conservative, the next day for something a bit more colorful or individual.

Style Aria: When faced with two equally-qualified candidates, how do you
determine whom to hire?

You very rarely get two people who are really equally qualified – there’s almost always some kind of “tie breaker” extra thing that one or other of them brings. Our selection process also means that there are always three people involved in any case, so there’s an element of negotiation and discussion. More often than not you end up with a trade off – one candidate is better in one area, the other in something else, and you have to make a judgement as to which is more important and who will do the better job over all. A judgement about their ability to learn and develop is also often very important: I sometimes reject the candidate I think will do the better job on day one because I think that there’s someone else who’ll be a better bet six months in.

Style Aria: What are the challenges you deal with most while working with the
Indian Government?

The same as with dealing with any other organisation – they have their own priorities and ways of doing things. Some organisations are more flexible and responsive than others, but basically if you want to get things done with anyone you need to see what the common ground is: where do your goals coincide, what is it that you can’t compromise on and conversely where can you play the game their way?

Style Aria: What is the last book that you read and really liked?

I’ve just finished “Farthest Field”, about India in the Second World War – a fascinating book. Actually I’ve been reading a lot of Indian literature recently – “The Half Girlfriend” (a recommendation from my wife), “Maharaja in Denims”, “Roll of Honour” … one of the benefits of living in a country with such a great cultural scene.

Google Now – Sure, you could ask Siri just about anything, but you may be looking for a virtual version of Lloyd from Entourage to organize your life. If that’s the case, it may be time to download Google Now, the “intelligent personal assistant” that is available for iOS and Android, as well as your desktop. The app organizes just about everything you can think of, giving you assistance around the clock. Info is organized into cards that provide all the info you need without you having to spend time searching. The cards are customizable so you see what’s important to you like traffic, weather, relevant websites or sport scores. The latest update includes barcode scanning, song recognition and the ability to store your boarding pass. If you need every aspect of your life organized in neat packages, this app is for you.

24me – If you are forgetful, then you need a virtual personal assistant that works like a second brain. 24me auto-generates reminders so you will never miss an important meeting or event, or forget to pay a bill. 24me combines your calendar, to-do lists and notes all in one easy to use, clutter free app. It syncs with other apps like Facebook to send messages to your friends on their birthday in case it slipped your mind, lets you share notes with coworkers or friends, and combines just about every part of your life into one package.

Quip – If Mark Zuckerberg uses it, we are down to download it as well. Quip is one of the best apps out there and is pretty much the virtual office used by Facebook, Instagram and Quora. Quip allows users to collaborate with others on documents, spreadsheets and checklists. Users can create, import or share documents, allowing others to update them as well, and there is a sidebar that allows you to check in with workers and review the edits they made. If you are looking to increase productivity at work by organizing those docs, Quip is for you. It’s free for iOS and Android.

Wunderlist – If you love lists or need to work on creating easy formats to organize your thoughts, the things you have to do, or even the movies you want to watch, than Wunderlist is for you. The app combines organization and productivity with the classic to-do list— all in a sleek package. Users can share lists with others and have conversations about them. It comes in handy when planning a family vacation or delegating someone to run out for milk. Wunderlist also helps you discover things such as the best recipes or movies to watch. The app is free to download on iOS and Android.

isoTimer – Now you can prepare each day carefully using a calendar and a to-do list that syncs automatically to your Google Calender! In addition to the free planner, you can schedule your tasks directly on the calendar, plan your goals in project view, sync your To-Do list with Google Tasks, create backups and restore them, time your tasks with a To-Do list timer, draw your own notes and attach them to tasks and events, create audio recordings and attach them to your tasks, and protect your data with a password. This app is the one to have if you need to prioritize your goals.

You can leave us your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below!

1. Fortune Savoy, Mussourie: 2500 metres above sea level, on the spectacular Gharwal hills of Mussoorie, sits the uber romantic and historic Fortune Savoy hotel. The regal history of the hotel beckons you to come and enjoy the time away from the steady and fast city life. With its spectacular climate and enchanting view, the hotel has proven to be the perfect wedding destination for couples from all over the country.

2. Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar: Built in 1464, the historical palace was evolved and transformed into this majestic beautiful hotel we see today. With its rich heritage and historical architecture, the Neemrana Fort Palace attracts couples from all over to celebrate their blessed day amongst its beauty and charm. We Love!

3. Palace Grounds, Bangalore: Mistaken by many to be a replica of the Windsor Castle in England (which it is not!). The grounds of the Bangalore Palace have proven to be the go to place for many couples tying the knot around the country.

4. Pachewar Garh Fort, Near Jaipur: A serene, well-kept fort with its intricate interior details, spacious rooms, and scrumptious Rajasthani cuisine, the Pachewar Garh Fort charms people to honor their wedding bond and cherish their memories amidst its rich Indian heritage and cultural surroundings. This quaint hotel is perfect for a rustic themed wedding!

5. Siolim Village, Goa (stay at the Siolim boutique resort): Along with its pristine beaches, the quintessential and coastal state of Goa is increasingly becoming one of the go to places for destination weddings. Be it classy beach weddings or intimate ones in a quaint little church, Goa has it all. Siolim Village, known for the infamous Sao Jaon festival and its old age charm and culture is one of our favorite picks. Stay at the Siolim Boutique Resort and indulge in the rich Portuguese tradition and exotic Goan cuisine!

6. Sainik Farms, New Delhi: Big Indian wedding?? That’s pretty much how the Delhiites do it, and Sainik Farms is where you need to be if you want it that big too! It’s definitely the place to go if your life philosophy is “got it, flaunt it”.

7. The Manor, Friends Colony, New Delhi: Located in the luscious region of friends colony in the nation’s capital, The Manor was started up as a small country hotel for tourists and visitors to feel comfortable and familiar in a strange city. So all you brides, head to this luxurious and enchanting hotel and enjoy quality bonding time with your better half and relatives! Rest assured, you can have yourself a merry little wedding extravaganza here!

8. Vivanta by Taj, Surajkund (near Delhi): Just a short drive from the main city, contemporary architecture and luxurious spaces is what awaits you at the Taj Vivanta. With its elegant and modern interiors, along with its delectable restaurants, the hotel promises a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience for all you to-be-weds out there!

9. Havelock Islands, Andaman and Nicobar: Come wedding season, this island of 5,300 something sees newlyweds and to-be weds flock like gulls to the sea. If you are among the latter, elope or do it the traditional way. We suggest keep it intimate, at one of the best and most secluded beaches in South Asia.
Our best picks – Silver Sand Beach Resort
Vijay Nagar, Havelock Island,
Andaman.

10. Rawla Narlai (heritage fort hotel near Jaipur), Rajasthan: This fortress turned heritage resort is not only the very definition of exotic but also oozes old world charm, perfect for a wedding inspired by the royalty and eminence of the 17th century aristocracy of India.

11. Cruise Wedding: Reasons to get married at sea? One, in-house nuptial packages that come with a planner, decorator.. in other words your BFF. Two, avoid potential bridezilla moments. Three, all it takes is a phone call and all you have to do is show up. Four, does a girl really need a reason to get married at sea? Our best pick – Goa’s Paradise Cruises.

12. Jag Mandir Island Palace, Udaipur: Often referred to as ‘Swarg ki Vatika’ or Garden of Heaven, this palace is not only picturesque and ideal for the perfect wedding but also played a monumental role in the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Need we say more?

13. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur: If decadence and grandeur is your style and all that is synonymous with regal and splendour, we say you look no further than the The Oberoi Udaivilas. It is named one of the most expensive wedding destinations (it’s where all the big celebrity nuptials happen!), and with good reason, hence you want to do this once and you want to be pretty damn sure!

14. Lavasa, Maharashtra: Being India’s first planned city and a man-made hill station, nature lovers of the west of the country looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, flock to Lavasa during ‘the’ season for the perfect urbane yet romantic fairytale wedding.
Our best picks – Fortune Select Dasve
Ekaant – The Retreat
Dasvino Town & Country Club

15. Luxury resort in the backwaters of Kerala: The Big Fat Indian Wedding was never a phrase used to describe a destination wedding in Kerala. Serenity, tranquility, spirituality and picture perfect beauty is what you sign up for if you chose to commence your nuptial journey in the backwaters of the place God calls his own.
Our best picks – The Zuri Kumarakom, Kerala Resort and Spa
Vivanta by Taj
Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere

16. Mandu (Madhya Pradesh): Mandu, ruined city in Madhya Pradesh is associated with the love story of last Sultan of erst-while state of Malwa, Baz Bahadur and his beautiful consort Roopmati. Set amidst Satpura mountains this place boasts of exquisite palaces, ornamental baths and pavilions to lure your guests into its old-world romantic charm.
Nothing can get better than tying knot in the beautiful ranges rich with romance, in presence of your loved ones.

17. Alibaug: Closer home, an attractive alternative to hiring banquets and dining halls or hiring palatial hotels, is Alibaug. A mere 2 hour drive from Mumbai will take you to stunning beaches of Alibaug. You can have your much dreamed of beach wedding here. The preparations would be a lot easier to make as it is easy to hire bungalows here and also due to proximity to Mumbai, if you are a Mumbaikar. Our best pick – Radisson Blu Resort and Spa.

18. Shimla: Set amongst the cool pine clad hills with numerous collapsing colonial enamors, Shimla is considered to be one of the popular wedding destinations in India. Peaceful environment, pleasant climate, snowy hills, breathtaking scenery and natural beauty will simply make your wedding day memorable forever. Shimla tempts one who extremely loves to enjoy amidst mountains and fantasize of having a romantic wedding in the Himalayas. There are many resorts in Shimla that arrange grand wedding ceremonies. Our best pick – Woodville Palace Hotel.

Here’s how to find out the shape of your face – On a hand held mirror, carefully trace the outline of your face with a marker, making sure that all hair is neatly pulled back.

If you have a square face, Aviators are the way to go. To soften a really strong, chiseled jawline, opt for butterfly frames. Stay away from heavy detailing on the brow, though.

For round-faced girls, Wayfarers are the best pick! Never go for round frames. Choose angular ones that define your face shape prominently. Pick wayfarers that are wider than your own face, preferably with embellished arms.

For ones with oblong faces, round or square sunglasses that are exactly as wide as the face are perfect. Keep away from anything too angular like cat-eye frames that jut out at the edge.

If you have a heart shaped face, choose butterfly frames or cat-eyed sunglasses as they perfectly balance out your cute little pointy chin. Softly rounded aviators will also do the trick!

If you’re oval-faced, well, lucky you! Most shapes and kinds of sunnies will complement your face. Go for oversized or embellished ones that draw attention to your well defined features.

What else is on your list of vacation essentials? You can drop us your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below!

The Pear Shape: You’re curvy at the hips and thighs and smaller on top, like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

What to look for: The key to the perfect swimsuit is balancing your proportions and getting the coverage you need for your bottom half. For a traditional fix, look for a clean-skirted bottom that falls just below the largest part of the upper leg. Avoid reaching for a boy short or thick-banded bottom. The extra fabric will only call attention to the area you’re trying to mask. A plunging neckline or eye-catching top draws the eye upward, minimizing the bottom. Racer-back, tank, bandeau, and strapless tops all serve to broaden the shoulder area. Tankinis add dimension to the upper body.

Large Bust: Ample cleavage; you’re chesty and require more support up top like Brooklyn Decker, Katy Perry, and Sofia Vergara.

What to look for: If you’re more well-endowed on top, then support is key. Opt for suits with underwire or molded cups to give the girls the support they need. Avoid ruffles or embellishments up top if you’re hoping to minimize the focus on your chest. Bra-style tops with underwire and adjustable straps provide extra bust support. The thicker the strap, the more support. Higher backs are also a good fit for helping to keep the girls up. Molded cups provide extra support and are available in many different styles. Explore suits marked with sizing like your regular bra, including styles that go above a D, which are constructed to support a larger bust. Boy shorts are one option to create more curve at the hips. Light colors are also good for playing up curves. Details such as ruffles, belts, ties, or print patterns like polka dots or horizontal stripes are also a good choice.

Small bust: Proportionally, you’re smaller on top with an A or B cup, like Kate Hudson.

What to look for: A smaller chest requires less support, so you can look for styles with more minimal coverage or embellished detailing, bows, and patterns to create the illusion of a larger chest. Triangle tops create the illusion of curves, as do tops with bold prints or embellishments with ruffles.Bra tops and padded push-up tops offer extra lift and can create cleavage, as can certain halter tops.A smaller bust always means you can wear tiny scoop tops or bandeaus — embrace them! The best bet for a gal with a smaller chest is to go for a top with embellishments or ruffles to give the illusion of a larger chest.

Athletic: You’re more straight up-and-down and have fewer curves, like Cameron Diaz, Jessica Biel, and Jennifer Aniston.

What to look for: The name of the game is playing up your curves with styles that flaunt your frame. Suits with less coverage help to create the illusion of a shapelier figure. The goal here is to give the illusion of more curves, which is easily done with a top with cups, padding and gathering, and by picking girlie prints and bright colors. Don’t go for straight-across bandeaus, boy-cut briefs or shapeless full-pieces, as this will only enhance your athletic figure. Tops or bottoms with bold prints, ruffles, and embellishments add intrigue and feminine flair and can create the appearance of more curve at top and bottom. Monokinis create fabulous curves, as do one-pieces with slashes or strategically placed cutouts. The smaller the swimsuit bottom, the fuller and curvier the derriere appears. Tie-side bikini bottoms enhance curves and adjust perfectly to your size.

Tummy Concealing: You’re built a little more like an apple shape and carry your weight mostly in your middle.

What to look for: Whether you prefer to be covered up, or you’re out to slim your middle, there are a number of one-piece and two-piece suits, like high-waisted or tankini styles, that help to smooth out your middle. A high-waisted bottom works wonders — just make sure it extends above your belly button to prevent a muffin top. Shirring works miracles. The gathered fabric hides bulges and creates definition in the waist.
A figure-flattering surplice-wrap silhouette trims the waist with its crossover fabric. If you carry your weight in the lower part of your belly, try on a retro-inspired, high-waisted suit. They’re on-trend and ace for covering the abdomen.

Curvy: You’re curvy throughout with a full bust, hips, thighs, and butt like Christina Hendricks, Scarlett Johansson, and Kim Kardashian.

What to look for: For curvy frames, the key is to highlight your curves while providing enough support and coverage. If you’re not keen on exaggerating your curves, then steer clear of monokinis or string bikinis with thicker ties, which can accentuate your widest areas. Asymmetrical suits draw the eye toward the neckline, highlighting the beautiful line from a woman’s neck to her collarbone. Color blocking can help highlight your shape, as do retro suits (think high waists and boxy halter tops).

You can leave queries, thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below!

1. Wear your best fitting bra (non-padded) before taking measurement, taking care that your breasts don’t sag.
2. Carefully measure around your torso (just beneath your breasts). This is your band size. If it is an odd number, round it up to the next even number. For instance, if your band size measures 33 inches, round it up to 34 inches.
3. Next, measure around your bust taking care that the measuring tape is draped around the part where your breasts are fullest. This is your bust size.
4. Now that you have your bust and band sizes, you can calculate your cup size by subtracting your band size from your bust size. The difference between the two would determine the right cup size. You can do that with the help of the key provided below.

If your bust size is less than 1 inch bigger than your band size, you’re a cup size AA.
1-inch difference = A
2-inch difference = B
3-inch difference = C
4-inch difference = D
5-inch difference = DD
For example, your band size is 34 inches and the bust size is 36 inches. So the difference between them would be 2 inches. That would make your correct bra size 34B.

Don’t be afraid to put the bra on and face yourself in the mirror with a critical eye. If you see any gaps, spillage, digging in or other signs of poor fit, it’s not the right bra. Turn around and look at the back as well. The back band can be very telling too when it comes to proper fit. There should be no gaping, riding up or bulges.

Write down the date of your visit and be sure to plan another one six months to a year later (bra sizes fluctuate due to weight gain, hormonal changes, aging and other life changes, so it’s important to get fitted at least once a year). Bras also need to be replaced every six months to a year due to wear and tear.

Now, here’s how to shop for lingerie according to your shape!

If you are tall and slim, garter belts worn with stockings would look great on you, giving the impression that your legs are miles long. Corsets will also enhance your curves and define your shape better.

For the voluptuous girl, shape-wear is the best bet. Bodysuits, Tummy Tuckers and Waist Belts will help shape your silhouette into the forever-desirable hourglass. Opt for Babydoll Negligees as sensual nightwear, as they hide a multitude of flaws while showing off your best assets.

If you’re small-busted, go for padded bras for everyday wear. Also, Demi-cup and Balconette bras would work to great advantage if you’re wearing a deep neckline.

If you’re top heavy, stick to full coverage bras with broader straps for better support. Minimizer bras work well to provide an illusion of smaller breasts while offering a smooth and natural shape.

Some styles of lingerie that every woman should have in her intimates drawer are a Push-up bra, a strapless or convertible bra, a T-shirt bra and an underwired bra. Also, seamless panties banish visible panty lines pretty good and are absolute must-haves. Finally, having a great set of all-lace intimate wear is always a good idea.

Once you make your purchase, it’s up to you to take good care of your bra. It’s best to hand wash, but if you need to put it in the washing machine, make sure the bra is encased in a protective garment bag. Always air dry – never put your bras in the dryer.

Leave us your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below!

When thinking commitments and marriage, it is undeniably an incredibly exciting time for every person involved in the process of making the event memorable and special. But amid all the critical life decision business, excitement about the future and any plans for a wedding, there’s one very small detail which far too much of the world assigns a significant decision time: The kind of diamond you buy!. Even when it means, a special purchase for yourself, the right kind of shine, will only make “YOU” shine brighter.

Diamonds have always been observed as something amazingly beautiful, nearly perfect, or ridiculously incredible. Well, the bright stone can seem expensive when they have the perfect carat weight, color, clarity and cut. The quality of the cut in accordance to its actual polishing is essential in achieving the incredibly rare quality rating of near perfect or immaculate gems. Every diamond possesses its own quality, eventually making it shine after the glaze is added.

Throughout time, diamonds have been one of the most valued, worn and adorned by royalty as a symbol of strength, status and divine authority. Diamonds have emerged as the ultimate declaration of love in the form of engagement rings, eternity rings and contemporary wedding bands. Diamonds possess a unique virtue, elegance and remain simply eternal, making them a great option of gemstone for any piece of jewelry. At Carat Aria we have an extensive collection of stunning and unique diamond jewelry, varying in color, cuts and sizes, allowing you to create every fashion-forward statement under the sun.

So when it comes to choosing your dazzler, make the decision you will cherish forever; consider these below mentioned criterions.

The 4 Cs

A diamonds price, uniqueness and glimmer are determined by factors that are commonly known as the 4 Cs, these are: color, clarity, carat and cut. Before deciding on acquiring your diamond, it is quintessential to understand why two diamonds that may look exactly similar are actually valued differently.

Color

Diamonds naturally vary in color with the majority of them on the market being sold as near colorless. The color range of diamonds starts at D, which has the least color and ends at Z ,which has a light yellow color and then into the fancy colors. Diamonds usually have subtle disparities which may not be observed by the naked eye. Due to the spike in fashion-led trends, colored diamonds are becoming exponentially more popular and valuable such as the Chocolate Diamonds.

The highest grade diamond colors D, E or F are perceived as the ‘collection colors’ in lieu of their scarcity and fantastically white brilliance.

Diamonds colored G, H, I, or J are classified near-colorless and present a good value in terms of its buying price. G and H are the more sought-after in this particular near-colorless group and are also coined as ‘rare white diamonds’. Diamonds in I and J colors are slightly warmer in hue and do command a reduction in price.

Grades of K to N display visible signs of yellow color and are not in demand. Viewed as being poorer quality, there is less demand by the industry and consumers making these grade of diamonds fantastic for dress rings, brooches and alternative jewelery. Undoubtedly, the single solitaire engagement ring demands a better, whiter colored diamond.

Even the light yellow diamonds from N to Z are still marvels of nature that took millions of years to crystallize , yet they will always be preferred and treasured than a man made synthetic gem stone.

Clarity                                                                                   

Clarity measures diamond flaws, called inclusions, which might appear as tiny spots, clouds, or cavities. Inclusions are graded on a scale of perfection called clarity, which means that the lesser inclusions a diamond has, then the greater the clarity and hence making it more valuable. The clarity paradigm is reminiscent that it is quite common for diamonds to have natural occurring flaws making them rarely perfect. The shimmer of the stone will not be greatly influenced by inclusions as they can be easily camouflaged by the setting or the mount. To summarize, all conditions being perpetual, the less inclusions the greater the life and sparkle of a diamond and the more one will pay.

 Cut

The term cut in an accurate sense defines the diamonds ‘make’, i.e. symmetry and dimensions. The diamond’s cut therefore, influences its capability to handle light refraction and create sparkle, scintillation and life all the same time. Facets are the flat, polished surfaces on a diamond. Well cut and proportioned facets on a diamond will make better use of light, allowing it to be dispersed and reflected from one facet to another, releasing the diamond’s brilliance. A diamond is said to be “well cut” when the diamond’s facets are in alignment and allow light to refract within and then disperse through the top of the diamond. With perfect light dispersion emerges a beautiful diamond sparkle that every girl dreams of.

Considering the symmetry and finish of the stone, a diamond can be cut in various ways; to be heavier, thus gaining more value, or to hide or reduce inclusions. Jewelry craftsmen transform a rugged diamond to a gleaming one by polishing tiny facets into the rough stone. These can vary from diamond to diamond, so the shape and the quality should be taken into consideration.

A symmetry that enhances the optimal light return is known as Excellent or Ideal, diamonds with Premium and Very Good symmetry are well cut diamonds and have abundant amount of sparkle and presence.Good symmetry represents value for money but will not capture all the potential light return but will have a nice sparkle. Fair and Poor cuts should be avoided as they may be too shallow or deep and have a less than satisfactory performance.

Carat

Diamond weight impacts the price most dramatically out of the various diamond characteristics. This is the reason why, some diamonds have poor cut to retaining a rougher diamond and larger carat size equating to a higher selling price. Diamonds are measured in carats, which signifies the weight, rather than the size. Over sized carat weights are rarer and more precious. The carat weight does not reflect the size of a diamond, so at times the stone might appear bigger but may weigh less, so it is worth taking your time to absorb its glory.

Carats are split into points where 100 points are equal to one carat.

• ½ carat diamond – 50 point or 0.50 carat diamond
• ¼ carat diamond – 25 point or 0.25 carat diamond  

In a situation, when there is more than one diamond on a piece of jewelry such as on a diamond cluster ring or a three stone pendant, the stones are weighed together rather than individually.

Carat and then clarity , have taken the responsibility as the two key price drivers and often shopping for diamonds just under the popular sizes of 0.50ct, 0.75ct, 1.00ct, 1.50ct, and 2.00ct can yield a better cut and a favorable price.

As you understand more about diamonds less emphasis will be placed on size and more on diamond quality. It’s easy to have the biggest car but should an Audi cost more than a Lamborghini?. We ask!

Choosing the right diamond type for your hand

Selecting the right diamond or in turn the most flattering ring for your finger is a lot like choosing the right sunglasses for your face shape. When faced with immense glaring choices, you will find out that not all styles look exactly same on your hand, as they do in a well lit display case. But worry not —  At Carat Aria there’s a ring style and shape to compliment every  finger and every hand, accentuating all the beauty and minimizing the things you don’t like.

Luckily, with just a handful amount of information, you can avoid spending hours trying on rings in order to narrow down your options. Whether you’re openly choosing your engagement ring with your groom-to-be or trying to influence him subtly (or not) from the sidelines, use these pointers to kick-start your search and find the most flattering ring for your unique finger shape and size.

When considering different rings, deliberate on the length and width of your finger, the one you intend to put the ring on — along with the overall size of your hand — against a couple key things:

•  Shape and size of the main stone
•  Width and style of the ring itself
• Nail length you usually maintain

Below is our guide that you might find helpful, but just in-case your heart is set on one, we say, go for it!

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1. Apple Watch: This is undoubtedly going to be the big reveal of the year. Tech-buffs are waiting for this phenomenal gadget for quite some time now. With customizable watch faces, fitness monitor, Apple Pay, iTunes, Apple TV and of course a time piece; this cool gadget is going to fly off the shelves.

2. Sony VR Headset (Project Morpheus): Virtual reality games are in for a state of the art makeover. Sony VR headset will give a dynamic experience to PS4 players.

3. Quantum Dot Technology LCD TVs by LG: This would be the next step in television viewing experience. The Quantum Dot Technology uses nano-crystals to create richer colours, making this TV a pioneer in its field. This high-end gadget may not be with-in reach of everyone but home viewing will definitely reach new levels of perfection with it.

4. Fitbit Charge HR: Health and lifestyle based gadgets are going to dominate the year 2015 but Fitbit Charge HR is definitely going to stand out. With an automatic heart monitor, activity, floors and sleep tracking; this gadget is going to upgrade any old fitness regime.

5. Oculus Rift: The ultimate competitor of Sony VR Headset, Oculus Rift has already been acquired by Facebook for a mega launch in 2015. With promising immersive gaming on the horizon with Oculus Rift, this gadget is going to bring about new social changes as well.

6. Ampy: A device that can convert your kinetic energy (energy generated by your body movements) into electrical energy for your USB device! Ampy is going to be a game changer in the portable chargers segment.

7. Navdy: A transparent navigation view on the windscreen is no longer a concept out of sci-fi movies. Navdy is going to revolutionize the way people navigate to new locations.

8. Jibo: It would be a far cry from the Bicentennial man, but Jibo is going to be the realistic version of world’s first family robot. It can take pictures, make videos and connect to your mobile device via Wi-fi. With high resolution cameras Jibo will be able to recognize faces and detect associated voices. This smart device will be ready for distribution in December 2015 and is already on the wish-list of many early adopters.

9. Smart Rear View Mirrors: Nissan and Cadillac are all set to release smart rear views in some of their car models which will provide enhanced visibility to drivers, under all weather conditions. This could be a highly utilitarian gadget for car enthusiasts.

10. NYMI Band: Finger prints, facial recognition and retina scans are so passé. In 2015, tech-lovers will unlock their phones, laptops, cars and even homes with their heartbeats. NYMI band will enable the wearer’s unique heartbeat to be used as an unlocking code.

The highly informative video, uploaded a day ago by AIB, takes you through the concept of “Net Neutrality” and explains clearly why everyone needs to act on it RIGHT NOW!

Log onto http://www.savetheinternet.in to email to TRAI and spread the message by sharing this video. Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!

It is a one of its kind Hallmark jewelry showroom with a superbly talented in house design team and an office in New Delhi too to cater to all their retail clientele. The new store launch was a grand event, with the Chief Guest being Honourable Mr. Ghansham Dass Arora, MLA, Yamuna Nagar.

The skilfully crafted designs themselves are delicate, intricate and fabulously beautiful – they can be worn with a wide range of evening attire, both Western and Indian traditional outfits. They combine modern day craftsmanship with contemporary designs and styles, making every piece a perfect blend of grace and beauty.

Here, we give you an exclusive sneak peak into their newest collection!

Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!