Little Black Dress: A Basic Wardrobe Necessity

Swatiness. DressThere she struts in her Little Black Dress. Obviously, the rooster in our hen pack. All the glares, looks of envy, lust for the dress all of it followed her. She walked with her head high, in that Little Black Dress.  Confidence flowing like water tides at night, eyes tracing every step she made. Such is the effect of that Little Black Dress.

Little Black Dress, its ubiquity is such that it is often simply referred to as the “LBD”, has the most important corner in every woman’s wardrobe. Every woman looks great wearing it, and every woman has her own. It is the default date ensemble when it is one of those “I have nothing to wear” days.

Nothing in this world is consistent or for “forever”, nothing but the Little Black Dress. A fashion anomaly, the concept of the little black dress never changes, much unlike the trend-crazed industry. Through the years, the little black dress has undergone hemline, shoulder, strap and fabric variations and this season is no different.SwatinessSwatiness.

There’s a history to everything. There is always of how something began and so does LBD. It was during the 20’s that the legendary fashion designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel first stitched her name into the history of women’s clothing design. In fact, Chanel’s designs are often considered to be the epitome of the 20’s style because her work was so fresh, modern, and updated. . Coco Chanel’s creation of a LBD in 1920’s became a commandment for the women worldwide.  And since then, little black dress has become the epitome of timeless fashion.  She intended it to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, accessible to the widest market possible and in a neutral color. Before her amazing introduction of these life savers, the color black was merely a color of mourning.

Audrey Hepburn, known for her beauty and amazing taste in fashion, took the trend to a Swatiness. AudreyBlaircompletely new level. She was spotted in LBDs throughout her movie, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. The trend of LBDs still lives in both Hollywood and Bollywood. Be it Jennifer Aniston, Blair Waldorf or Sofia Vergarar all of whom seem to have a soft corner for LBDs when it comes to dressing right. (Blair Waldorf. Always Blair Waldof.). Studies show, that the most common clothing reformed, used and innovated is usually a Little Black Dress, as in it still remains the most favorable clothing of a woman.

People have misconceptions that a LBD only looks well on thin, slim, beautiful and hour-glass figures. Well, like I said- it’s a misconception. LBDs have a magic and charm of suiting every woman, irrespective of their shape, size and figure. They have this aura of making every woman wearing them look like a true beauty.  Not only does it make a woman a lady it also makes her look slimmer and taller.

Choosing the right LBD is an important, important task. SMediaometimes, the LBDs chosen wrongly can you make one look like a complete disaster.  So choosing the right LBD is important. They have magic and charm, yes but choosing correctly is a crucially important.  Here are some tips (from the real pros) to remember while shopping your perfect LBD-

  • For Bottom Heavy– choose a little black dress that skims over the lower half of the body. Fuller skirts, disguise heavy hips, while showing off the waist. A fitted halter or strapless silhouette — which accents a trim upper body — is very flattering for bottom-heavy figures.
  • Flabby Arms– The trick is to keep the sexy element with embellishment or peekaboo cutouts on the little black dress. The long-sleeve dress covers up, but has plenty of sex appeal thanks to a square neckline and shoulder chain detail.
  • Petite– Look for a dress with a lot of shape and is scaled just right for your figure. Avoid too-cutesy looks SwatinessLBD(like puffed sleeves or giant bows) so you won’t look little girlish.
  • Plus Size– Just because your figure has curves doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a pretty little black dress. Show some skin and enjoy the flattering capabilities of a tiered dress
  • Unattractive legs– Don’t want to show off your legs? You can still look gorgeous in a little black dress, instead of hiding your legs in pants. Try wearing a longer skirt (mid-calf or longer)
  • Wide Shoulders– You don’t need to hide your upper body in a little black dress if you have wide shoulders. Instead, look for body-balancing details like the trendy asymmetrical neckline. Avoid puffy sleeves or voluminous tops paired with slim bottoms that will exaggerate your shoulder width.
  • Thick Waist– Disguise a thick waist in a little black dress by either raising, lowering or eliminating the waistline. A drop-waist dress, which hits somewhere around the hipbones, or empire waist dresses which have a raised waist are other good choices.
  • Full Busts– Balance a top-heavy figure in a little black dress by opting for the most flattering necklines for the full bust: the V-neck, square neck, wrap or portrait style. Look for fabrics that skim (jersey is good), but aren’t clingy or too stiff. Also, avoid ornate necklines, embellished bodices and blouson styles.
  • Small Bust- Most clothing actually hangs better on women with smaller busts, but if you want to add more volume up top look for embellishment or fullness on the bust. Strapless are usually flattering in such cases!
  • Too thin (this one’s for my best friend) – If your body lacks natural curves, add feminine presence with fullness. You can also pump up the volume with extra details like full sleeves, ruched waist, layers and ruffles.

Is choosing the type of LBD all? Of course not! It’s like how Coco Chanel said- Scheherazade is easy. The little black dress is hard. Now, that you know what TYPE to choose, let me give you ideas to accessorizing ideas to match with your LBD. When it comes to jewelry to go with LBD, some women tend to keep it old school with pearls. Many, nowadays, are inclined towards their best friends- diamonds. Black handbags are well suggested. Black sequined handbags- even better! Don’t go rainbow with your LBD. Bracelets- in white gold/ pearls work. Please avoid yellow gold. Yellow gold and LDBs just don’t gel. Dress shoes- now that’s where you can go a little bonkers. Just a little, though. Keep them black. No sport shoes. Ballerina flats work for some. But shoes with little heels are a better option. Stockings also work. Do shrugs work? Yes. But the color and the type of shrug depends on the type of your dress.

LBDs will never run out of trend, runway and fashion. They are rather an investment for the future. So, don’t think so much. You like it, it suits you, THEN BUY IT! Otherwise, you’ll be repenting it later. After all, don’t our elders always keep on telling- Invest your money on things that work. And trust me, Little Black Dress will ALWAYS work!

 

Oh and one last PRO tip to buying the LBD that suits you: Whenever shopping for that Little Black Dress, always ask yourself- What Would Blair Waldorf Say? 

Blair Judging

Sweating out in agony: Bikram Yoga and Me

So after many too words of encouragement to try Bikram Yoga, I finally caved. I decided to give it a whirl. This post is a mental and emotional response of my body and mostly my mind of my very first Bikram Yoga class.

Before I went it, I looked it up to see what the postures were, the concept, the duration of most classes and the many many before-after pictures. Of all the workouts I’ve seen and done, I felt Yoga felt the most positive and healthy. And I thought- How hard could this be?  Man I had no idea what I was signing myself in for.

I dressed up for my class, all excited and decided I don’t need a giant bottle of water, this tiny one filled with 250 ml would be more than enough. (Thankfully, I knew I didn’t need shoes so I wore my favorite flipflops) Then to hopped to the class.

I push the door open and the first wave of heat hits. WOW it was hot in here. But, thats goood. I will sweat more, I will burn more, I will be flexible faster.

I lay down my mat and put my locker keys and water bottle next to it. Then I look around to see what everyone is doing. They’re lying on the mat or sitting taking deep breaths. There was this one girl doing really really really bendy things. I think to myself, I will get there. Smiling, and slightly sweaty, I sit down.

I had counted 26 postures before the class. Two sets of each. EH, how hard could it be. *GLUG DOWN HALF OF MY LITTLE WATER*

And then it started.

The first asana was a breathing exercise. Simple. How do I do this? Oh, look at the girl and follow. Nope I’m still wrong. I think I got it. Nope. Yep, this time. As the first set finished, my teacher knew I was very new. She asked me to listen and look around and follow. Okay. IIIIINNNNNN and OUUUUUUT. SIX SECONDS? HOW AM I TO ONLY KEEP BREATHING FOR 6. Lungs are going to tear. NO no no. How are they breathing so loudly?!

The second asana had me going OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH. Ouch. Wait, whats lock your knees? How do you lock your knees? Whats the key? (Pun intended). Wait, Japanese Ham Sandwich? I don’t eat Ham but I wouldn’t mind a sandwich. Done.  What second set? NOOOOOOOOOO *inner voices deafens my mind, but not enough*

Bikram Yoga

The third asana was like squating. I can squat. In my work outs, I do about 100-150 squats daily. Okay. Now I’m doing on my tippy toes like a ballerina? I’ve always wanted to be a ballerina, oh I need to sit. Join my knees and stand a little? I have big thighs, my knees never really join. No. Okay. I need water. I WANT  WATER.

Bikraam Yoga. Swatiness

The fourth asana how are my hands to twist? I don’t even. The instructor said something something eagle something. What? Stop talking mind. Nope, just follow the others. That looks easy. Rope my leg on the other? I can do that. No no no no, and I fell. Don’t even know how.  So ofcourse I stayed there. But, not for long. I missed a whole set and the other side.

Party time? How long will it be? ONE SIP OF WATER?! I sipped little. Had to save it for the rest of the class.

The fifth, sixth and seventh asanas comprised of lots of stretching and balancing on one leg. ONE LEG. Also, still clueless about how I lock my knee. And since I wear glasses even when I sleep, so I still had them on my nose blinding me with my own sweat (and some tears). Basically, it’s stretch and kick and kick and higher and higher… and then fall flat on your face/butt.

The next three asanas were no cake walk either. I was really craving for cake all this time thought. I sweat some more, I compressed my body in agony and pain. I did all the sets. Something about my stomach and cores and mostly just more sweat and agony.wpid-funny-yoga-17

Then the 11th Asana was tree stand. It looks pretty simple. But the second I tried to get my one hand touch the other, I fell on my face. I am a rather clumsy person. But, I think Yoga really brought out my real clumsy trait.

And then the trainer said the magic words: SAVA ASANA. Its the best posture and asana for anyone who practices Yoga. You basically lay flat on your back on the mat. Like I said, the best pose ever. Little did I know, the real Bikram Yoga was about to start…

The 12th asana was okay. Just pulling your knees to your stomach. The third part of the asana was difficult. How do I hold my elbows over my knees? Hands weren’t reaching elbows. THEY ARE NOT EVEN TOUCHING!!!!

Sava Asanas are to be done after every set and every posture. But, you only understand why when in the 13th asana you are lying on the floor trying to push up like the snake, the aeroplane and the one with hands and feet and more stretching. I swear some of the sweat was actually transparent blood flowing all over my body and face. At this point, my brain had stopped processing any and all information, except to follow the instructors orders and yell in my brain in pain.

The 14th Asana seemed easy when I watched the others do it. But, boy, was I wrong again. I had to spread my thighs and calf muscles and lay down, in a way that both my thighs and upBikram Yogaper body pulled in different directions…  It really didn’t look like it’s going to happen.. Nope.

The 15th, 16th, 17th were similar asanas, slightly easier, but since I was so so so out of energy all my mind could think was NO way was I coming to this again tomorrow. I knew I’d paid for the entire month already, but I wasn’t coming. I totally wasn’t.

The 18th Asana was touching my toes without bending my knees. I did one set and then settled into the very sweaty Sava Asana. Aaaaaaah. Home. I want to go home.

Then the final Asana was full body twist. Twist like a pearl necklace. PEARL BLOODY NECKLACE. I don’t want to twist like a pearl necklace. And my hand wouldn’t touch my knee. I tried and tried and tried. But, it didn’t. But, I twisted and it seemed like I was grasping it. Ah. I could easily do two sets of these. I almost looked like I knew what I was doing. But, it was only one set.

The class ends with a breathing exercise. I have seen this exercise on TV and I’ve always made fun of my dad of doing just this and calling it a very hectic “workout”. (Daddy, if you aryoga-thoughtse reading this, that isn’t exercise but it’s closure of exercise 😛 ) While doing the breathing exercise, my whole body didn’t feel so exhausted anymore. I felt peppy. Like I could do another 90 minutes of this Yoga now. Why didn’t we do this before? Had I done this before, I would have been much happier doing the Yoga. I don’t know how. After the breathing asana, in the final Sava Asana, I sorted my day for tomorrow and planned when I was coming back tomorrow.

It’s been two months since this. I’m in a love-hate relationship with Bikram Yoga. I hate it while I’m in the room, torturing myself with the pull pull and lock your knees. But, the second I’m lying in the final Sava Asana, I plan to come back the very next day. I still don’t know how to “lock my knees” or “stand in the posture”. And I have tried not to fart while doing several postures. It’s very rare that I don’t.. (I do fart, and I cannot lie!)