Fall Choices made easier

TREND! That one syllable which gives me anxiety and excitement- All at the same time. Only because they keep changing faster than my account balance can handle, Sigh!

My situation goes something like this (Maybe most of you can empathize/ relate) allowance from home and a few extra bucks from freelancing but never-ending choices of apparels tempting you to prioritize a pair of ripped jeans over much needed obligations.

Anyway steering this blog post away from my personal misery, Fall is here and investing in winter apparels can be a tad expensive with high chances of redundancy (Come next fall)- Because, fast fashion!

Here is a solution that sort of worked for me over the years as my affection for fashion and lifestyle continues to grow vehemently. “Don’t stick to fast fashion when it comes to winter wear” eg: An embroidered denim jacket vs a regular denim jacket. The former may be redundant after few trend cycle but the latter will always remain a timeless classic. Having said that if you are a fashion aficionado trends are everything, so rephrased advice ” Get your basics right first then jump the trend bandwagon” – Build your wardrobe with classic pieces as your foundation.

PEA COATS

Rather type ” Double breasted blazer” as your keyword while scouring Indian shopping sites- Thank me later ;). They suit most body types, and gives a good structure to the upper body too.

What I really love about pea coats has to be the fact that they go well with every outfit you could possibly imagine (Obviously comfortable and warm too)- Dress it up or Dress it down, they just blend in with the whole look.

Courtesy @myntra 

Since we are talking about timeless pieces with versatility, Military green, grey, black, navy and brown would be the right shade. Keep the details as minimal as possible, exception for buttons- feel free to go crazy! You could even try your hands on creativity by swapping them-Maybe under the assistance of your mum or someone who is a needle work Jedi ;).

DENIM JACKETS

Denim jackets has to be one of the biggest highlight of this year’s trend- Embroidered, Pastels, Beat up, Slogans. You name it and the manufacturers have done it all. But only few will sustain or in fact none,come next season- Owing to fast fashion!

Nevertheless, Denim jackets are classics and owning a pair ( in classic shade) before you decide to join the denim orgy ;)will be a wise investment for years to come. And if I may please? Here are some references

Courtesy @myntra

Light washed denim is undoubtedly a classic but finding them undisturbed by embroidery etc at this time can be tedious, so dark grey or black or stone washed will definitely be a good alternative. DISCLAIMER: Don’t go for heavily stitched or denim with contrasting thread work.

BOMBERS

Owning same apparels in different shades  is often considered “Faux Pas” by most fashion enthusiasts. But then again there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to fashion- You’ve the luxury to set your own standards.

And in my case Fashion exceptions revolve around, Knit wear, basic tshirts and bombers- Because they never get redundant!

Whether you are a hard core fashion fanatic or someone  who wears clothes like any social being? I believe we all own bombers. And I am guessing they are in dark shades.

Incase you are planning to invest in another piece, I urge you to try in Camel, or a color blocked ( obviously with a hint of neutral shade- olive green, brown etc)

Courtesy @myntra

Hope this post helps you to foresee your investment in clothing pieces that will sustain every trend cycle and also help you to save some money this fall.

Takecare! 🙂

Sincerely,

Ben @youngbroketrendy

HOW TO BUILD A TIMELESS WARDROBE: The Young Broke Trendy guide

The current mantra of the fashion industry is driven by “Fast Fashion”, trends fall on your lap only when the top tier of consumerism [Luxury brands] are over it! [New ones on the way already] I guess “someone’s trash is someone’s treasure” does make sense after all. 😉

To be honest, it is [excruciatingly] painful to keep up with all the new trends that show up, and if you are a student [Well I don’t have to say much on that] it is anything but easy to hoard new clothing on a continuous basis. Blame it on the FAST FASHION 

Having said that, Whether you are a University student or someone who has just entered the workforce, I bet we could all agree to one thing “Money talks” [No pun intended, shhhh]. Nevertheless, everybody wants to look their best so we all invest in owning apparels whenever we can but then again nothing in this day and age comes with a shelf life of more than few months, so there goes your favorite pair of “Shirt”.

Are you a trend follower? or are you someone who has just given up trying to keep up with the mind-boggling of it all and just sticks to basics [that’s alright, I feel you]. Well if you fall into the latter part, maybe you might want to continue scrolling down 😉 because you are already half way there to building a wardrobe that doesn’t make you sigh every time you look at your clothes [New trends kicked in and yours is no longer a keeper].

Maybe building your wardrobe with classic pieces as the first step would be a good start.

START HOARDING BASIC T-SHIRTS!

If you are someone who has been buying t-shirts with patterns and details[taking a hunch here since that’s what most of us end up buying these days] It’s time to shift gears [Not entirely, Maybe a tad bit].

Here are some references

T-shirts in longline and prints are no doubt edgy and appealing but a basic tee can do the same justice without having to put much effort [and definitely easy on the pockets].

Disclaimer: Just because it’s basic doesn’t mean you should buy any plain tee that you come across, So here are some tips that I have learned over the years.

• If you want to broaden your shoulders go for a scoop neckline.
• If you want to elongate your upper body, go for a V neckline [Deep V or Low V depending on your body type].
• Go for light fabrics, slim neckline, and single stitched hem [Cue to the pictures I used].
• Heavy fabrics, thick necklines etc aren’t just uncomfortable but it also makes you look bulkier if you are on the heavier side and if you are skinny like me, the t-shirt ends up overpowering you.
• Go for a white tone or any other except bright tones.

Trust me a basic t-shirt is no doubt effortless and versatile but can be chic too, once you get used to wearing them instead of opting for statement tees.

• For smart casual look pair it with a blazer using the classic concept of white for day and dark for the evening [or whatever works for you].
• For casuals or street wear the list is endless, and the best part you will look nothing but “NEAT” without compromising the look you intend to achieve.

PANTS

There are so many details when it comes to jeans, from back pockets size to color wash but getting into it in detail will just turn your shopping expeditions into a nightmare [ happens to me all the time] but here are some more prominent pointers you might want to keep in mind

• When it comes to jeans if you are on the skinnier side, I recommend you to go for a mid rise or high rise [ former for a more preppy look and latter for your classroom shenanigans]. In fact, I would recommend high rise contrary to popular opinion of not going for it.
• Look for a single stitched inseam, because if you are skinny clean fabrics are more aesthetically appealing.
• If you are on the heavier side, mid rise in a slim fit with stretchable fabric is your best friend.
• Avoid heavy fabrics or thick stitching.
• Single stitched inseams are easier for alterations too.

Same goes for your cotton trousers/chinos except for the type of fit- Go for any fit that makes your body breathe.

For your chinos go for any tones that are earthy or anything neutral.

For your jeans apart from the usual black which we all have, try adding in one more in Indigo-blue [Looks similar to the picture I used].

SHIRTS

There is nothing much to say here- We all own them!

Just a few pointers:

• Go for a curved hemline- Helps give proportion to your body
• Avoid highly defined checks- If you are on the heavier side makes you look bulkier and if you are skinny you end up disappearing (most cases)
• Go for checks or plaids with red or some dark colour dominance- More versatile & layering them will be easy. Suits every skin tone and body type.
• When it comes to denim- Go for a stone wash, light wash or tad navy. Avoid ombre ( till you’ve good basics)

There you go! Your first step to building a wardrobe, easy on the pockets and timeless pieces that can be used for any season and for sure outlive the ever changing fashion trends.

Hope this helps you to build a wardrobe transcending time and trends while you play along with the ever evolving fast fashion.

Much love,

Ben @youngbroketrendy

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLANNING TO REVAMP YOUR STYLE QUOTIENT?

The one thing I truly appreciate about Fashion & Lifestyle has to be the fact that “There are no boundaries”, I know it sounds contradictory and superficial since most of us validate our definition of looking good on “Mass Fashion”. But to be truly fashionable one can’t go about following every new trend that pops up[then it becomes exhausting], It involves understanding what works for you and using that to create an IDENTITY.

Being fashionable transcends much more than just looking good- It represents acceptance- of your “Good, the bad and the ugly”. And that’s when you will really learn to enjoy the art of being fashionable- boundaries get blurred and your definition of fashion is no longer dictated by what magazines or bloggers for that matter have to say- You filter what works for you.

Enough said, Here are some fashion accessories and products I have enjoyed incorporating into my lifestyle [Well! Some yet to be] maybe you might be inspired to replace some of your old with something new after going through this post.

PS: You can click on the highlighted keywords in bold, in case you intent to buy or just admire. 😉

SHOES

Review:

Velvet loafers have been around for ages, so yeah! they are classics. Italian men’s Luxury brand like Canali would be an example. And yes, they are exorbitant. But I guess not anymore if you are someone who swears by Zara and Aldo.

You can grab yours from The Dapper Man you can get your own signature embroidered pair too.

Who should consider buying?

• If you are someone who is tired of wearing penny loafers, brogues, oxfords etc to occasions that demand you to be presentable. In fact, anyone or everyone who needs a change!

Will it suit you?

• Absolutely, whether you are tall, short, heavy or lean. Just make sure you buy or pre-order [custom made] the right fit.
• Wear it with jeans or any formal wear, you really don’t need a lot of accessories to pull off this shoe rather it would be the other way around.

Review:

• There is nothing much to say for this pair of shoes. It’s your classic old school Vans so redundant is out of the question.
• Again they will suit anyone and everyone. Effortless and comfy!
• If you are someone who is tired of the “sneaker trend”  like me and needs something new [not really] but involves easy transitioning every now and then? Go for these classic beauties in black or white or a tribal print for something edgy but not desperate.

Grab yours from myntra 

ACCESSORIES

The Dapper Man

The Dapper Man

Review:

• To be honest, I am not much of an accessories guy, but if  I were to invest in them “The Dapper Man” will be my go to.
• Looks opulent but very generous price range, there is nothing more one could ask for.
• So if you are someone looking for exquisite and unique accessories, I say go for it.

RANDOM PICK

Review:

My rapport when it comes to shopping from Koovs is a very tumultous one- More of disappointments though the few good ones manage to compensate my vendata, so I end up going back time and again. 

• This longline shirt is an amalgamation of Indo western culture- Indo Fabric [slub] and silhouette engineered by European design team- so yeah you get the best of both worlds.
• The neutral tone and vertical stripes represent your basic shirt so it can be pulled off by anybody with ease. The stickers are a trend [ie if you care to know hahaha].

If you are looking to buy a new pair of shirt, maybe you should consider buying this one from “koovs”.

Review:

This deodorant spray from “The Body Shop” is something I personally use and recommend you to try it as well- If you are someone who believes in smelling good without offending nostrils of someone else.

If you care for the details  here it is [hahaha]: 

• Non-sticky and subtle
• Citrusy with notes of lemon grass [if that makes sense].

Let’s stop pretending like I am a connoisseur of fragrance so in simple words ” It’s perfect for summer and I suggest you get one from “eBay”.

Hope this post helps you to try something new this summer.

Be kind! 🙂

Best,

Ben

OF PASTELS AND SLOGAN: MEN’S SUMMER LOOKBOOK 2017

Summer is here and as much as I try to befriend with it, I am left with no choice but to whine as I sweat my way to my morning lectures. So yeah there is nothing new or exciting changes for Indian summer, Oh wait, getting hotter day by day-Hurray!

Hot sticky weather, same old clothes of chinos and plaid shirts was the case till last year but worry no more at least something has changed when it comes to how brands have managed to keep up with the changing [long overdue] fashion and lifestyle trends of youngistaanis- Something unique something fresh but nothing too loud that say you are coming out of a Holi party. There you go guys, we no longer have to compensate our need for summer appreciation by wearing bright bold color shirts with equally opposite dark pants with sneakers ;). No more HOLI party folks!

High streetwear for both men and women alike is extremely fascinating this summer but getting into it with a fine tooth comb would be mundane as too much of everything just kills the excitement. As such I chose to help you understand two trends that are not only unique but for sure can be pulled off by anyone- Novice or a hardcore fashion enthusiast.

Gentleman, say hello to Pastels and Slogans- Your new friend for summer, your game changing confidant whether you are trying to swoon your new crush [ hmm that did sound corny] or just aimlessly hanging out with your pals, the list is endless. So what are pastels? Here is a seedhi baat no bakwaas gyan- Hues such as light blue, cream, light pink [Yup! Light pink, and trust me you will be fine wearing it so don’t freak out just yet LOL]. And slogans as in Yes you guessed it right “Aao Kabhi Haveli pe” type wala slogans on tees and shirts LOL. But I am not endorsing such puns- So my definition of a slogan is different per say.

Anyway here are the collections I have managed to scoop from Indian brands, so you can definitely grab them if they appease your fashion buds for this summer.

LIGHTWEIGHT DENIM JACKETS

Every normal insaan in other countries or a celebrity wear jackets [shackets] even in summer, and often times we end up becoming a tube light [or maybe that was just me] as to why wear a jacket in summer. Well, even our celebrities wear them. So yes they are all wearing light weight jackets specifically designed to compensate the usual t-shirt with button down shirt wala concept.

You can grab yours from myntra and here are your options:

Review:

• Brand- Alcott
• Can I use it in winters? Absolutely but might require new tricks for layering, after all, it’s lightweight.Why buy a jacket if you can’t use it for multipurpose. Pfftt! Only Indian I am as well 😉
• Wear it with a light tee or a vest and you are good to go, Weather getting too hot? Wear it with a vest, roll up the sleeves and voila you are ready!
• Jeans or chinos or joggers- Don’t think twice, they won’t disappoint you.

PASTELS AND SLOGANS TEE

Now tell me, is this pink not wearable? Of course not so grab them and join the summer trend bandwagon already.

Review:

• Where to find it? KOOVS
• Price- Under 500 INR
• Color options- Available, so go check them out
• Vest usability- Gym, home or outerwear there are endless possibilities.

Okay now that your top wear is sorted what about the pants, well this summer let’s take your pants game a notch higher and invest in something that has always been around but with a few tweaks- Trust me they are definitely aesthetically appealing.

Go for a gray jeans and chinos that have the appeal of cargo pants.

Review:

• Where to find them? Any store or Koovs and Jabong
• Tired of folding your jeans or lazy for a visit to the tailor for altering them? Well, just measure your desired length and chop it off. Wear it seamless or rub them off to get a frayed effect.