Fashion Tabu

Shopping for clothes should be enjoyable, but it is easy to come home with something lovely that you never wear. A little planning helps you spend wisely and build a wardrobe that suits your life. Start with your wardrobe Before you shop, look at what you already own. Which pieces do you wear often? What is missing? Perhaps you have several festive outfits but need comfortable everyday clothes, or you have a beautiful kurta that needs the right trousers. Make a short list and shop for those gaps first. Choose for your lifestyle Think about where you will wear the item. A heavily embellished outfit may be perfect for a wedding, while breathable cotton may serve you better through a busy week. Buy for your actual plans, climate and comfort—not just for an attractive photograph. Check fit and fabric A good fit can make a simple outfit look elegant. Check the shoulders, bust, waist and length, and make sure you can sit and move comfortably. If shopping online, compare your measurements wit...

A Celebration of India's Timeless Textile Heritage By Tabassum Rahamathullah India's embroidery traditions are a beautiful reflection of its rich cultural heritage. From delicate hand stitches to magnificent metallic embellishments, every region has developed its own distinctive craftsmanship. This guide introduces 10 famous embroideries of India, their special characteristics, traditional motifs and ways to style them today. 1. AARI EMBROIDERY Origin: Traditionally associated with Gujarat, Rajasthan and Kashmir. What Makes It Special: Aari embroidery is worked with a fine hooked needle that creates delicate chain stitches. The technique allows artisans to produce intricate, flowing designs and is often enhanced with metallic threads, beads and sequins. Popular Motifs: Flowers, leaves, vines, paisleys and decorative traditional patterns. Seen On: Sarees, lehengas, blouses, kurtas, dupattas and bridal wear. Tabu's Styling Tip: When wearing richly worked Aari embroidery, allo...

 The Handbag Guide: Choosing the Right Bag for Your Outfit & Occasion A handbag is much more than a practical accessory. It can complete an outfit, add personality and even change the overall mood of your look. From an everyday tote to an elegant evening clutch, choosing the right handbag is an important part of styling. The Tote – Your Everyday Companion Spacious and practical, a tote is ideal for work, shopping and travel. Structured totes give a polished appearance, while softer styles create a relaxed look. Tabu’s Styling Tip: Choose a medium-sized structured tote in tan, black or beige if you want one bag that works with most outfits. Crossbody & Sling Bags – Stylish and Hands-Free Crossbody bags are perfect when comfort is important. They work beautifully with jeans, kurtis, casual dresses and coordinated sets. Tabu’s Styling Tip: Adjust the strap so the bag rests around your hip rather than hanging too low. This creates a more balanced silhouette. Shoulder Bags – The...

 Fashion keeps changing. Handbags become bigger and then smaller, heels rise and fall, jewellery moves from delicate to dramatic, and yesterday’s “must-have” can quickly disappear. But some accessories never become outdated. They don’t depend on trends, designer labels or even your wardrobe. In fact, some of the best accessories cost very little—or nothing at all! Here are five that deserve a permanent place in your style kit. 1. Your Smile A smile is perhaps the most beautiful accessory you can wear. You could be dressed in your oldest jeans and T-shirt or wearing a luxurious silk saree with your finest jewellery—a genuine smile complements both equally well. It brightens your face, makes you approachable and adds something to your appearance that no designer accessory can reproduce. And the price tag? Absolutely free! 2. Your Charm Charm has never needed a designer label. A charming personality can transform even the simplest outfit. It comes from the way you speak, carry yoursel...

  Prints have the wonderful ability to bring life, personality and movement to an outfit. From delicate florals to bold geometrics, the right print can instantly transform even the simplest silhouette. But choosing a print isn't only about what catches your eye. Understanding scale, colour, placement and proportion can help you select prints that complement both your personality and your appearance. Florals – Feminine and Timeless Florals never really go out of fashion. Small, delicate floral prints create a softer and more subtle appearance, while large blooms make a stronger statement. If you prefer an understated look, choose smaller florals with fewer contrasting colours. Larger florals work beautifully when you want the outfit itself to become the focal point. Remember that the background colour matters too. A darker background can make a bright floral print appear more sophisticated, while lighter backgrounds often create a fresh and breezy effect. Stripes – It's All Abou...

Every body shape is unique, and good styling is not about hiding your body—it is about creating balance, comfort and confidence. If you have an apple body shape, choosing the right silhouettes, fabrics and styling details can make a wonderful difference. What Is an Apple Body Shape? Women with an apple-shaped body generally carry more fullness around the midsection, while the legs may appear comparatively slimmer. The shoulders and bust can also be broader, with a less-defined waistline. The styling goal is simple: create a longer visual line, gently define the silhouette and draw attention towards your best features. Choose Flattering Necklines V-necks, scoop necks and open collars work beautifully because they visually lengthen the upper body. Avoid extremely high or heavily embellished necklines if you have a fuller bust. For kurtas and salwar suits, a graceful V-neck or moderately open neckline can instantly make the overall look appear lighter and more balanced. Pick the Right Kur...

Colours are more than just something we see. They influence our mood, our confidence and even the way others perceive us. In fashion, choosing the right colour can completely transform an outfit and the way we feel wearing it. RED – Confidence & Energy Red is bold, powerful and attention-grabbing. Wear it when you want to feel confident and make a strong impression. ORANGE – Creativity & Joy Orange reflects warmth, enthusiasm and creativity. It is a wonderful colour for adding energy and freshness to your look. YELLOW – Positivity & Optimism Bright and cheerful, yellow is associated with happiness and optimism. Even a small touch of yellow can instantly brighten an outfit. GREEN – Balance & Harmony Green represents nature, freshness and balance. From soft sage to rich emerald, it can be both calming and sophisticated. BLUE – Calm & Trust Blue is one of the most versatile colours in fashion. Lighter blues feel peaceful and refreshing, while navy and royal blue create...

Every woman’s body is beautifully different, and understanding your body shape can make dressing easier and more enjoyable. A pear-shaped body generally has narrower shoulders with fuller hips and thighs. The idea isn’t to hide your curves—it’s to create balance and draw attention to the features you love. Here are my 10 practical styling tips for pear-shaped women. 1. Highlight Your Upper Body Choose tops with interesting necklines, embroidery, prints or detailing. These naturally draw the eye upward and help balance the silhouette. 2. Try Statement Sleeves Puff sleeves, structured shoulders, bell sleeves and other interesting sleeve details can add a little volume to the upper body and beautifully complement fuller hips. 3. Choose Flattering Necklines Boat necks, square necks and wider necklines work particularly well because they visually broaden the shoulder area. 4. Define Your Waist Your waist can be one of your strongest features. Try well-fitted tops, belted dresses or outfits ...

 

The saree is one of those rare garments that never goes out of style. Elegant, versatile and beautifully feminine, it can take you from a casual lunch to a wedding celebration simply by changing the way you style it. The beauty of a saree lies not just in the fabric, but in the way it is draped and styled. A timeless red and beige saree, beautifully styled to highlight the pleats and contrasting border Here are five styling secrets that can make all the difference. 1. Choose the right fabric Fabric determines how a saree falls on the body. Chiffon and georgette give a soft, fluid look, while silk creates a richer, more structured appearance. Cotton is wonderful for understated everyday elegance. 2. Let the blouse make a statement A beautiful blouse can completely transform even a simple saree. Experiment with interesting sleeves, embroidery, contrasting colours or elegant necklines while keeping comfort in mind. 3. Get the drape right Perfect pleats and a well-placed pallu instantly ma...

 Weddings are all about beautiful details — the outfit, jewellery, makeup and, of course, the shoes. But today’s bride doesn’t have to choose between style and comfort. Enter personalised bridal sneakers — a fun and fashionable alternative to traditional wedding footwear. From delicate embroidery and pearls to sequins, lace, initials and even the wedding date, bridal sneakers can be customised to complement the bride’s outfit and personality. They look especially charming with lehengas, gowns and Indo-western ensembles. And the biggest advantage? Comfort. After hours of standing, greeting guests and dancing, a pair of comfortable sneakers can be a bride’s best friend. Some brides wear them throughout the celebration, while others change into them after the ceremony when it’s time to hit the dance floor. I particularly love the idea of turning sneakers into a keepsake. Personalised with the couple’s names, initials or wedding date, they become a lovely reminder of the special day lo...

 There was a time when a telephone had one simple purpose — to make a call. Today, the mobile phone is our camera, diary, newspaper, bank, shopping centre, entertainment system, office, classroom and constant companion. It wakes us up in the morning and is often the last thing we look at before going to sleep. There is no denying that the mobile phone has transformed our lives in wonderful ways. We can speak to loved ones across the world within seconds. We can work from almost anywhere, attend meetings, make payments, book tickets, order medicines, learn new skills and even run businesses from the palm of our hand. For senior citizens especially, a mobile phone can provide independence, convenience and an important connection with family. But somewhere along the way, did this useful little device begin controlling us instead of serving us? Are We Really Present? Look around at a restaurant, a waiting room, an airport or even a family gathering. Very often, heads are bent and eyes ...