A A I N A - Bridal Beauty and Style

Tricks of the Trade: Sonam Kapoor at L'Oreal Paris Cannes Film Festival 2013

Thursday, May 16, 2013 | Posted by Asiya | Labels: cannes film festival 2013, eye makeup, l'oreal paris, makeup inspiration, nose ring, sonam kapoor, tricks of the trade 1 comments

Here's Sonam's look at the Cannes Film Festival. Love the nose ring, or hate it, the makeup is seriously stellar for a bride. I think Ms. Kapoor may have set the style bar again, for this season's brides. For a breakdown of the products used, click here. Something gives me a feeling that L'Oreal's eyeshadow compact in Golden Black will be flying off the shelves.

via L'Oreal Paris Cannes Official Site

The Zen Bride: The Confession

Thursday, May 2, 2013 | Posted by Asiya | Labels: the zen bride 0 comments

Fashion Photography by Tarun Khiwal via Nerdball

Personality, a clear sense of direction, and style. These are integral to being a fashion blogger, and while I started out knowing what I wanted out of my blog, I can't say the same for my personal style. I love clothes, and I love fashion, but a combination of poor body image, depression, budgeting issues, and an inability to to dress for my personal values left me feeling like there was a gap between the woman I wanted to look like and the woman I actually resembled.

As I entered my late twenties, I thought I was over all that.

But then, this past year, I made a mistake. With several weddings to attend, I went out and bought myself a few outfits for the season. And I regretted them completely. I spent more than I wanted to, on clothes that were beautiful, but so not my style!

As someone who spends countless hours reviewing new collections, sussing out the ones that I like for my site, and reflect this blog's point of view. I am accustomed to knowing what I like, and picking what is tasteful, budget-conscious, and likely to last more than one season. I ignored all my better judgement because my competitive, petty side got the better of me. To reward my overindulgence, I have a tulle and polyester confection sitting in my closet. The likelihood of me wearing it again are slim to none. It is beautiful, but it is just not ME.

I am less embarassed by the dress and more embarassed by my reasons for choosing it. I ignored my gut, which told me I don't like the princessy look, because everyone around me was trying to out-do everyone else with the shiniest, newest, brightest dress. I know lots of other girls who did the same thing. A lot of them lost weight to fit in their dresses; and promptly put the weight back on after the weddings.

My point is: anyone can choose clothes to compete with others, to please others, to look like everyone else. But it's not going to last, on you, in the pictures, in your memories, in your closet. Your wedding day is the last day to compete with the entire universe and their cousin. Be selfish, make it about you.

Love-ly Locks: Combed Out Curls from Bottega Veneta

Thursday, April 11, 2013 | Posted by Asiya | Labels: bottega veneta, bridal hair, combed out curls, curly hair, curly hairstyles, love-ly locks 0 comments

Michelle Morosi for gorunway.com via Style

Wasn't sure about this one, and whether it was worth sharing here on the blog, because I know that although I may like something, it is not for everyone, and certainly not for an Indian/Pakistani bride on her wedding day. But then I know there are girls looking for something new. There are girls, like me, who didn't try something new, and wish they had found the inspiration they were looking for. And hey, I like it, and I would wear it, probably will wear it at some point this summer, when I want to look like I made an effort, so why not?

So, lovelies, today I'm sharing a hairstyle I'm so inspired by, that I think is perfect for those of you who are looking for a romantic and structured look that maintains the integrity of your naturally curly hair.

Bottega Veneta presented this hairstyle in their latest collection for Paris Autumn/Winter 2013 Fashion Week. The style is great because it is easy to achieve at home, requires minimal product and flatters the cheekbones, gives the eyes a dramatic arch and settles softly around the shoulders.