Fashionably Yours

I’ve been grappling with one word that defined the Autumn Winter 2011 Collection from Debenhams, ever since I first saw it showcased at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai… and now it finally hit me: FETCHING it is!

Betty Jackson, Debenhams Autumn Winter 2011 collection

Star by Julien Macdoanld: Debenhams AW 2011 Collection

Principles by Ben di lisi: Debenhams AW 2011 Collection

Red Herring: Debenhams AW 2011 Collection

Scalloped ‘Peter pan’ collars, lace and sheer blouses, sequined dresses and heavy peacoats have engulfed the women’s floor at Debenhams in sartorial brilliance this season. Must say, compared to last season, the store has upped its ante in terms of offering up- to- the- minute fashion while maintaining quality (and that’s rare- we usually get one or the other, right?) 

Red Herring Dress: Debenhams AW2011 collection

Diamond printed dress: Debenhams AW 2011

Henry Holland: Debenhams AW 2011

Butterfly by Matthew Williamson: Debenhams AW2011

I particularly loved the leather skirts and the adorable buttoned up white lace-and- bows blouse from Herring. Also spotted were some girly, quirky printed dresses from H! that’ll compliment your red leggings with ankle boots look to the hilt. 

Principles by Ben Di lisi: Debenhams AW 2011

Henry Holland: Debenhams AW2011

Red Herring Coat: Debenhams AW2011

Rocha.John Rocha: Debenhams AW 2011

A lot of metallic accessories, block colored and printed tights are up for grabs. I’ve set my eyes on a pair of dangling gold chain link earrings which will go perfectly with my fluffy nude hued dress. Also found a neat pair of flat suede ankle boots at Debenhams and a massive collection of chic jackets to choose from. 

Jasper Conran: Debenhams AW 2011

Diamon by Julien Macdonald

Red Herring: Debenhams AW 2011

Principles by Ben di lisi: Debenhams AW2011

The chic AW 2011 collection is now available at Debenhams, UAE.

The Debenhams &Fashionably Yours Subscribers Contest:

Fashionably Yours is feeling generous and is giving away a 300 Dirham gift voucher so you can get your hands on the new Autumn Winter 2011 Collection with the 300 Dirhams gift voucher! All you have to do is :

1. Subscribe to Fashionably Yours via email

2. Answer this simple question: “What’s your favorite pick from the Debenhams Autumn Winter 2011 Collection and why”

3. Put your answer down on Fashionably Yours’ Facebook page, tagging 3 of your friends.

The best answer wins! Contest winner will be announced on November 20, 2011.

Let’s go already!

This is a ‘Saas – Bahu’ faceoff of another kind…A Mom and Daughter- in- law duo indulge in some gossip, green tea and gooey face packs! Check out ‘Just Herbs’, an Indian herbal skincare range, reviewed over two weeks of super girly fun!

Sanface: Sandal Glowpack

Week One

Saas: “Visibly cleaner skin after the first use but the tightening effect is not felt yet.”
Bahu: “I feel my skin tighten a bit but I also think it has made it slightly dry”

Week Two

Saas:  “I think it’s making my skin glow! All my building friends have been complimenting me!”
Bahu:  “I’ve had to use my intense moisturizer after the pack but yes, sandalwood oil used in this concoction has definitely worked beautifully on my skin.”

Final verdict: Good product- Really does make the skin glow!
Price: Rs 295 For 150g

2) Aloe Vera Face massage gel

Week One:

Saas says: “It has a very soothing effect on the skin- after washing off, my skin seemed very soft to touch.”

Bahu says: “I’m l-o-v-i-n-g the product! I’m a fan of natural aloe vera and this gel comes pretty close to its natural form. My skin felt way softer and visibly refreshed even days after use.”

Week Two:

Saas says:
“I’ve been using it after the face pack as a follow up natural moisturizer. My skin has never been so soft to touch!”

Bahu: It seems like it really seeps deep into the skin and moisturizes it from within. I’ve found it to soothe and calm my skin a lot. I’ve even kept it on for an hour or two- its non sticky and invisible after the first couple of minutes on the face. I’m in love with this magic portion!

Final verdict: We’re both addicted- It’s a super hit!
Price: Rs 395 for 100g

3) Neem Pure: Skin purifying neem pack

Week One:

Saas says: “It’s like multani mitti… yes, it has a refreshing effect on the skin but I don’t think it’s offering me anything new.”

Bahu: “I added a little rose water and honey to this pack because I have dry skin- and it worked for me!

Week two:

Saas says: “It’s good, but still, I’m not as impressed as I am, about the other two products.”

Bahu: “I’m certain this product can help acne prone skin due to its neem ingredient. It’s definitely worth a try.”

Final verdict: Great for oily and pimple prone skin type- okay for normal skin types.
Price: Rs 295 for 60g.

4) Jajoba 3-in -1 Sun Block

Saas: I don’t use sun blocks at all but this one was good! Plus, it claims to be herbal and natural so I’m happy to use it as opposed to those heavy duty SPF this and that. I don’t want to use a heavy formula on my already aging skin so this is a perfect alternative.”

Bahu: “I’m pretty set in my ways when it comes to sun protection. I’m not fully convinced about using it at the pool but yes, perhaps for a short while out in the sun.”

Final Verdict: It’s a light, natural alternative to the heavy duty sunblocks we use – it’s worth a try if you’re still looking for your perfect sunblock soul mate!
Price: Rs 345 for 100ml

Overall:

Great products! Do note that there’s a disclaimer on the back of the products that reads: “This is not a cosmetic product. It has therapeutic properties.” I wish they had also included a set of directions to use for the products. For example, the mom in law reviewer didn’t have a clue as to how to use some of the products and how long to ideally keep it on for.

Find Just herbs on Facebook or visit their website to place orders.

After scavenging for the last few scoops of black goop from the bottom of the tiny bottle and fighting to keep my barely- there lashes appear luscious and long, I finally gave up. I needed a new mascara. Desperately.

In today’s day and age, where everything is 3D-ied and WiFi-ed and googled the heck out of, ofcourse I looked for a solution to my cosmetic emergency online. It’s as simple as looking up product reviews, making a quick stop at the nearby dept store or just making your purchase online right? Wrong, wrong and wrong!

Search results led me to advertorials, paid reviews and some very questionable products in the name of make up (Libidoo- For your Eyes Only). A visit to the near-by department store had me stark raving mad at the sales persons there for suggesting everything from false eyelashes to rubbing castor oil on my lashes for thick shiny growth but failed to sell me a damn mascara.

Mascary Story! Pic: Beautyworld

No matter what I pointed to, they’d give me the same pitch- “Madam, 9 times volume, 12 times volume!” “Ummm Yeah, I can read that on the cover of the packaging in bold lettering, but thanks.” What will it take to have informed sales person at cosmetic counters??

My third ploy was to simply check out my options online and swipe my way to beautiful lashes.  Three websites gave me a tantalizing 50- 80 options to choose from. Before I knew it, I was drowning in a vortex of volumizing, lengthening, waterproof, special editions, exorbitant and bizarre mascara choices that I never thought existed.

Completely baffled, I set out on the perfect mascara expedition myself – Here’s what I found:
Maybelline Colossal Mascara:
Rs 260

At Rs 260, this one is a bargain hunter’s pick. Not for the seriously inclined towards lovely lashes. The applicator is long and easy to use but does not prevent lashes from sticking together. Might I add that I think the bright yellow packaging is childish and unsophisticated. I’d give it a 2.5 on 5.

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express

Maybelline Colossal Volume Express

Lakme Nine To Five:
Rs 325

The world has gone from analog to digital, CRT to LCD and stereo to Mp3…then why must you still stick to your old boring mascara that hasn’t evolved since the pre historic age? I’m pretty sure it’s still the same stuff my mom used to use! 1 on 5.

Lakme Nine to Five Collection

Lakme Nine To Five Mascara

MAC Wonder Woman Opulash Collection:
Rs 950

The mascara has nothing to do with what the comics inspired illustrations of the ‘Wonder Woman Collection’ suggests. I was hoping for comic book- like dramatic volume and length, but alas! The colors, though, are fun to play with- violet, blue and green mascaras- and they actually show! The applicator is a bit clumsy and there’s nothing nearly as dramatic as promised. Coming from the house of MAC, it’s a bit of a disappointment. 3 on 5.

MAC Wonder Woman Illustration

MAC Wonder Woman Opulash mascara collection

Loreal Shocking Volume Mascara:
Rs 1456

Okay, unless you’re going for that electrocuted-chic look, pass this one up. Yes, volume and length is achieved but 2 coats of this super powerful mascara will have you looking really shocked about something! The primer and lash comb definitely constitute the pros while the heavy formula can make your eyes droopy. One coat is not bad though, for ultra dramatic eyes- definitely not your casual date pick. No bad, but not great either!
3.5 on 5.

Aishwarya Rai Bachan for Loreal Shocking Volume Mascara

Loreal Shocking Volume Mascara

Max Factor False Effect :
Rs 610

Loved it! Innovative applicator, easy to use, waterproof and gives great volume with absolutely no clumping and sticking of the lashes. Talk about instant pretty peepers! Only drawback being that the bright blue color mascara didn’t really show – looked exactly like the black! MAC’s colored mascara showed way better in comparison.  Plus, at that price,  this one is a steal deal! 4.5 on 5.

Max Factor False Effect Waterproof mascara

Max Factor False Effect mascara