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.

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.

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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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!