- Midi dresses
Summers have always been about dresses, but this year round midi has been the go to length for almost everyone. Whether you are headed to the beach or to a party at your friend’s, this is the piece everyone is opting for and loving. There are so many styles to choose from-print, plain, fitted, embroidered-that its easy to carve a whole summer wardrobe out of them alone. But even if that is not your thing, don’t shy away from buying one and trying the trend yourself! You will love it! The best part is that with every brand trying to cater for the increased demand in midi-dresses, there is something for everyone (and at every price point too) so I am sure you will find a dress that suits your personality perfectly!
My favorite brands to shop them from are :
For casual, day-to-day ones–Zara, H&M, Forever 21,Topshop
For dressier options–Gal meets glam, No 21, Topshop, Anthropologie, ASTR
Pakistani/local favourites–Generation pk, Roba by Saiqa
.
. - Matching separates
We saw them make an entry into the style scene close to the end of last year, and this is a trend that seems to be here to stay for a while! And for good cause! They are versatile, easy to style and even more easy to wear individually. And no one likes anything better than clothes they can style in different ways and re-wear again and again!
My favourite places to buy them from:
International options:– Zara, H&M, River Island, Topshop
Pakistani/Local favourite:–The Sassy store
.
. - Minimalism
My own fashion mantra has always been ‘less is more’ and I always try to practice it, but when the whole fashion community turns around and comes back to the basics, embracing minimalism, the said practice becomes even more fun for me! So ditch the over accessorized look and opt for the basic blue jeans, white shirt version this summer. Or go for matching separates and pair them with your favorite bag and flats to complete the look!
.
. - Button front midi skirts
I love skirts, I love anything midi and I love button front style these days so this trend was easy to fall in love with, but once I tried it on I fell more in love with it for one simple reason-it gave me summer, beach party vibes while it was still freezing outside in Chicago! Honestly though, these are perfect for those weekend summer BBQs that we look forward to all through the winters. But also, they are so light weight, so breezy that you can’t help loving them-and definitely something different from the usual skinny jeans we all end up reaching for!
My favourite places to buy them:
Internationally:–H&M, Topshop, Mango, Zara
Pakistani/Local favourite (for midi skirts):- Outfitters
Zara Skirt
- Plain slides
You have seen every fashion blogger wearing these by now, and for good reason. They are comfortable, go as well with your jeans as they do with their skirts and they go with minimalist vibes everyone is in love with these days! Plus, a good pair of flats is always worth investing in, right?
My favourite ones are the ones below from Steve Madden.
Steve madden Greece slides
- Small sun glasses
I have a love hate relationship with this trend, I love seeing everyone rock them but I can’t see myself wearing them. Still, I adore the retro vibes they instantly add to any outfit and if you have short hair, these are very easy to pull off!
My favourite places to buy them:
Internationally–Quay, Topshop
Pakistani/Locally:- Mango, Mantra
Quay
- Short hair
Which of course brings me to my favourite trend so far! Short hair are as in these days as they have ever been and I am loving the return of this trend! I feel like this hairstyle instantly makes you look at least five years younger and like a ten times more stylish version of yourself. Here are a few people rocking this style so effortlessly that it is making it hard for me not to go get this cut myself!
Brittany Xavier
Olivia Culpo
Zara Peerzada
Tag Archives: stylist
2. Get your girlfriends on board:
I feel no shame in accepting that I am part of a new group chat on Whatsapp called “We heart NYFW” made by friends as crazy about fashion as me. There, we dissect and “critically review” the collections shown and rave about the upcoming shows, our favorite fashion bloggers and the hot models (that is every bit as important as the dresses themselves.) It not only is letting me feel more in the spirit of the week, but having people on the same page as me makes me feel less crazy.
3. Dress up and pose:
One of my friends, lets call her Zara, came up with this idea on the above mentioned group. And I LOVED it. As she put so eloquently, “So what if we cant go to Kate Spade’s show? We can for sure dress for it!” I later saw Chiara Ferragni doing something similar. Being in LA might have meant that she couldn’t go to the Polo Ralph Lauran show, but she supported the label by dressing in a dress by them and posting the click on Instagram. So, dress up, pose and take some snaps. You will feel like you are right in the middle of it all (and maybe just got to the show a bit too late to be a part of it).
4. Bring the party home:
No, I am not suggesting you host something huge, like the Givenchy after party. But just gather some fashion-loving pals, dress up and have a blast over fancy food. If you want to have more fun, ask your friends to dress the part of their style icons or just pick one brand and dress up in it. That way you can incorporate idea number three into the party too.
Seven summer trends I am loving
30 JunFriday Five
1 JulHi everyone!
Sorry for the lack of posts this past week. I’m currently travelling which makes sitting down with my laptop to write a post really hard!
However, I had been really looking forward to write this week’s Friday Five. Why? Because it marks the start of the 4th of July weekend and (drum rolls please) it also marks the start of some amazing sales. Listing down my favourite five for you right here. Do check them out!
1. 50% off at Ann Taylor. I’m in love with this top. And how cute is this one. Use the code JUSTBEACHY at checkout to avail the offer.
2. Up to 70% off at ASOS! Look at this top! Perfect for summer, no? And now perfectly priced too.
3. Anthropologie is offering up to 30% off at select items. This top is perfect for this summer-on trend and just so cute!
4. Upto 60% off at the entire Old Navy online store! Now I can get this whole look at less than half the price! Ten minutes dance party?
5. An extra 50% off on sale items at Banana Republic. What could be better? Maybe a 40% discount on regular priced items? ‘Omg’ indeed! (Seriously crushing on on this neck-tie top though!)
Happy shopping! Love,
Gull!
5 ways to enjoy the NYFW without having to be there
12 SepIt is that time of the year again, isn’t it? When people like you and me are stuck underneath such a huge pile of work and commitments that the mere idea of going away for a break is an impossible one. Yet, we can’t suppress the craving to be in New York during this particular week, to enjoy the festivities of one of the most anticipated fashion weeks of the year, the NYFW. But, the yearning can only remain so and all we can do is hope that one day we can be there too, enjoying the week like Chriselle or partaking in all its fun aspects like Aimee Song (a girl can dream).
But till that fateful day comes around for us, we aren’t going to just sit around and mop are we? Not when all hope isn’t lost. Not when you can still enjoy it, if not completely, at least partially.
Here is my two bit on how you can enjoy the NYFW from anywhere around the world.
1. Snapchat:
I swear this device is a godsend for fashion crazed people. Where Instagram and blog posts by people actively enjoying the NYFW can let you see only so much of it, Snapchat allows you to glimpse the real spirit of it, to partly experience the aura of it. So, if you haven’t already, follow all your favorite fashion personalities on this wonder-app and partake in the fashion shenanigans as if you were right there. Plus, you get to see the collections before they even hit the blogs. Or the print media. (Woot woot!!)
Gather your fashion loving friends.
2. Get your girlfriends on board:
I feel no shame in accepting that I am part of a new group chat on Whatsapp called “We heart NYFW” made by friends as crazy about fashion as me. There, we dissect and “critically review” the collections shown and rave about the upcoming shows, our favorite fashion bloggers and the hot models (that is every bit as important as the dresses themselves.) It not only is letting me feel more in the spirit of the week, but having people on the same page as me makes me feel less crazy.
Chiara supporting Ralph.
3. Dress up and pose:
One of my friends, lets call her Zara, came up with this idea on the above mentioned group. And I LOVED it. As she put so eloquently, “So what if we cant go to Kate Spade’s show? We can for sure dress for it!” I later saw Chiara Ferragni doing something similar. Being in LA might have meant that she couldn’t go to the Polo Ralph Lauran show, but she supported the label by dressing in a dress by them and posting the click on Instagram. So, dress up, pose and take some snaps. You will feel like you are right in the middle of it all (and maybe just got to the show a bit too late to be a part of it).
Kristina ready for Givenchy after party.
4. Bring the party home:
No, I am not suggesting you host something huge, like the Givenchy after party. But just gather some fashion-loving pals, dress up and have a blast over fancy food. If you want to have more fun, ask your friends to dress the part of their style icons or just pick one brand and dress up in it. That way you can incorporate idea number three into the party too.
5. Give your take:
You are following all the right people, watching every step of the fashion week, seeing some amazing trends emerge and probably know more about what shoes and hair styles would be ‘in vogue’ soon than most people online, and yet you are doing nothing about it? That is a shame. Use your knowledge, form an opinion and post it online. Give your guide to the upcoming dos and don’ts of fashion, or simply highlight your favorite trends. But don’t sit there doing nothing. Share with us what you know!
I will end this post now, because my Whatsapp is buzzing insistently, but before I leave, I will just say this; these five tips are just the tip(no pun intended) of the iceberg. The possibilities to feel involved in something this far away from you are endless. And can and should be tailored to your own preferences. For example, amongst other things, I like sketching the best of dresses that I come across in these shows. Another friend likes adding fashion week street-style pictures to the mood board in his office. Use your imagination, and most importantly, have fun.
Love,
Gull.
Image
Drink it up
2 May
Summer time…!!
When the hottest season in town walks in, we can do nothing but stare and gulp down that cold drink in front of us to take away the sudden dryness in our mouths. To cool our own selves down.
Here are four of our favorite recipes for delicious drinks that will help you do not only the afore mentioned, but which are also undeniably easy to make.
Mexicano
1. Mexican Iced Coffee-This drink, let me warn you, is not for the faint hearted. The flavors are definitely strong, however, it somehow balances everything within itself helping it stop at the brink of crossing over to the ‘dark side’. When in mood for something different, do give it a shot. I copied Deborah Schneider’s recipe from here, except that I substituted the liqueur with coffee extract (espresso would do as well) and cut down a bit on the cream.
St. Patrick’s all year long.
2. Shamrock Shake-Ok, this isn’t much different from your vanilla shakes, and yet a completely different experience. I use the recipe given below, which I borrowed from Emily Schuman, though when making it for myself I skip on the cream.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of whole milk (less milk if you prefer thicker shakes)
2 large scoops of premium vanilla ice cream
1 tsp of peppermint extract (or essence if you cant find that)
2 dashes of mint bitters (optional for flavor and color)
2 drops of green food coloring (if you’re not using bitters)
Whipped cream (for the topping).
Method:1. Place all ingredients into a blender, in the order they are listed.
2. Turn blender on and mix until you reach your preferred consistency.
3. Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream.
Berry Blast.
3. Berry Blast-This drink is a roller coaster ride for your taste buds, and at the same time it’s extremely healthy and rejuvenating making it a necessity for facing the upcoming heat waves.
Ingredients:3/4 cup chilled orange juice
1/3 cup chilled pineapple juice
2 cups vanilla yogurt
1 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen sliced strawberries
1/2 banana, sliced
Method:1.In a blender combine strawberries, milk, yogurt, sugar and vanilla.
2. Toss in the ice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into chilled glasses, top with chopped berries and serve.
Frozen Blueberry Lemonade-We all love our lemonade on those burning hot evenings when even breathing seems like too much work, but the drink can get boring. This recipe is one way to spice it up. The best thing about this drink is, you can have as much as you want with minimum guilt about gaining too much weight
I hope you enjoy your drinks and summer.
Until next time,
Gull.
Summer Wine
1 May
Summer is here and it is already hotter than, well, Inferno itself. And all we can think about is how to stay cool. And “sun-burn” free. And, although both aren’t the easiest, we still find time to wonder about questions like, “how to make the most of this month” and “what are the do-s and the don’t-s of summer fashion”.
In fact, maybe more than all of that, we want to know what’s in style this season.
Or, not.
Maybe, we only want the easiest of recipes for the most refreshing of drinks.
The best thing is, we-you and I-we will be finding answers to all those questions and more together, this May.
And, if you want to see the most adventurous surprise ever, then I urge you stick around the blog this month for, boy, do I have something amazing in store for you.
Till next time, I leave you with these amazing words a very old friend said yesterday morning,
“I wanted to lose my heart and head at the same time and, when I finally did, it wasn’t the prettiest of things. However, it was one of my best experiences.”
All my love,
Gull.
Image
1. The ‘Coachella’. Inspired by festival dressing there is an obvious reason this look comes into limelight in these summer months. Two words-short and comfortable. Anything in your wardrobe living up to those words is perfect for this look. Crop tops, short shorts, huge hats and flats with bright and catchy accessories and satchel bags will complete this look for you making it perfect for the laziest and warmest of days.
2. Back to basics. White tees, blue jeans, mini skirts, collared shirts, bright bags and big sunnies-you get the picture right? Keep it minimal, yet add a touch of yourself via the accessories or a bold statement on your shirt and you are good to go.
3. The Bohemian. This look is not just the easiest to pull off but it also allows you to be at complete ease while keeping you from getting too hot. All you need for this look is an eye-catching, breezy maxi dress with dainty sandals and as much arm candy as you can take coupled with the up-do of your choice. And, just add your favorite shades, for that extra something.
4. Go shear. And feel just as sexy as you would like, while staying cool. 😉
5. The tunic. Tunics have to be the best and most investment worthy item for this summer season. Light, loose, sexy and versatile, your wardrobe is just begging to have some of these. Couple them with jeans, shorts or even tights and they would give a different finish every time.
7. Midi-love. These stylish, ‘airy’ and easy to carry skirts are perfect for those days when even the touch of cloth on your legs seems like too much to handle. To make it perfect, couple it with a crop top.
The real girl’s guide to summer style
11 Apr
Let’s face it, leather skirts and jean play-suits, no matter how cute they might be, are not what the “every girl” would like to reach out for when the sun is out on a mission to burn us down to our bones and when staying cool beats ‘looking chic’ on its way to become our top priority.
However, we can’t let that happen, can we? We refuse to give in to the heat and become sad enough to not bother about how we look. That’s for the faint hearted. Not for those who still want to hold on to their self esteem. Not for those who prefer a challenge.
So, when the question was put to stylish women who seem to pull off the ‘laid back summer chic’ look to perfection, here is what we got-a list of go to, fool proof looks sure to leave you looking chic no matter how hot it is outside.
Festival ready.
1. The ‘Coachella’. Inspired by festival dressing there is an obvious reason this look comes into limelight in these summer months. Two words-short and comfortable. Anything in your wardrobe living up to those words is perfect for this look. Crop tops, short shorts, huge hats and flats with bright and catchy accessories and satchel bags will complete this look for you making it perfect for the laziest and warmest of days.
Basics.
2. Back to basics. White tees, blue jeans, mini skirts, collared shirts, bright bags and big sunnies-you get the picture right? Keep it minimal, yet add a touch of yourself via the accessories or a bold statement on your shirt and you are good to go.
The Bohemian.
3. The Bohemian. This look is not just the easiest to pull off but it also allows you to be at complete ease while keeping you from getting too hot. All you need for this look is an eye-catching, breezy maxi dress with dainty sandals and as much arm candy as you can take coupled with the up-do of your choice. And, just add your favorite shades, for that extra something.
Fear not the shear.
4. Go shear. And feel just as sexy as you would like, while staying cool. 😉
Tunic fantasies.
5. The tunic. Tunics have to be the best and most investment worthy item for this summer season. Light, loose, sexy and versatile, your wardrobe is just begging to have some of these. Couple them with jeans, shorts or even tights and they would give a different finish every time.
6. Pastel affairs. You can’t go wrong with this look. You just can’t, for there can not be a better combination then these ice-cream reminding colors and summer.
Midi love.
7. Midi-love. These stylish, ‘airy’ and easy to carry skirts are perfect for those days when even the touch of cloth on your legs seems like too much to handle. To make it perfect, couple it with a crop top.
“My dreamland.”
29 Mar
I know, you don’t have to say it, I was supposed to keep up with the series I started and, obviously, I should be killed because I didn’t.
But, here is the honest truth, I have the second part written and edited and ready to be published. However, I can’t, not yet. For somehow all the three things on that list I either ended up getting or I realized it wasn’t one for me. And I will have to rewrite it.
That, though, isn’t why I am here writing this. Rather I want to share with you some amazing news.
This week started on a very confusing note for me. I was in an emotional roller coaster moving from excitement, to anxiety, to self-doubt, to sadness and even up to depression and then free-falling down into a blissful state of happiness. The reasons for all of that? In no particular order, it included, my brother’s continuing visit, great news about a friend’s relationship status, another on one’s career platform, the dread of the said brother’s departure back to USA the same week, an impromptu trip out of city and the best of outcomes to the same visit.
That’s just the summarized version, yet I mention this all for it would let you know how utterly beautiful it was to have a week that started on such an awkward end to be leaving me with such an amazing sense of happiness, relief and, maybe above all, excitement.
The reason to that? The whole thing will be a surprise but I can tell you this, I got my visa approved to go to what I like to call “the land of dreams”. And I can’t wait to go there this very summer even though I will have to take some time off from my university.
But, honestly, life is about prioritizing and as the trip involves not just a wish coming true but a loved family member, it’s clear to see where my priority lies.
Honestly, I am so happy right now that I can’t even type calmly. And neither can I wait to tell you about the country I am going to.
But, till I can, pray that the last of complexities work out smoothly. And understand that I tell you this for you all mean that much to me.
Love all of you,
Gull.
A girl writes 
You must be logged in to post a comment.