Queen of Simplicity

 

Some of the best things in life come in black and white – old movies, desaturated photographs, newspapers, pandas, and cookies & cream ice cream immediately come to mind. Likewise, black and white outfits are among our favorite things… especially for fall.

Like most girls, we have a serious love for neutrals. Most of the go-to pieces in our closets are white or black… and we bet yours are, too! So why not wear them together for a classically chic look?

If you’re concerned about looking drab when you go back to basics, never fear. Below I’ll show you how to look super stylish in black and white, with four achromatic outfits:

Animal Print Weekend

One of the most dramatic ways to pair black and white is, of course, with a bold animal print. A zebra print tunic sweater is a great choice to keep your lazy leggings-and-boots outfit looking fresh. Also, we love beanie hats in these chilly months for bad hair days – we haven’t seen them as much as usual this season, so rock one today and stand out from the crowd.

 

Trendy for a Night Out

The most exciting way to jazz up your black and white look is to go super, super trendy with it. A peplum top, fake leather leggings, and platform shoes (okay, these are more blush-toned than grey.. but how cute are they?) are all popular. If the entire look was in color, it would be difficult to pull off. However, sticking with all black allows you to rock fun trends like peplum and shiny pants without looking over-the-top.

Pile on the Layers for Class

Layers are a great way to add dimension to your black-and-white outfit. Wear tights under shorts (since it’s cold anyways – you need them!), and layer a vest on top of your sweater. If it’s really cold out, add a jacket, too!

Playing with Textures at Work

Another way to add excitement to an outfit with no color is to play with texture. Suede flats with a faux-croc skirt and a houndstooth coat? Fine by us! Also, you don’t have to colorblock to wear these shades – a cool shirt, like this blouse from Target, puts bold touches of black on an otherwise normal blouse.. and the effect couldn’t be cooler.

 

If you have any more ideas, suggestions, bitchy outlashes at me, anything at all or maybe even for no reason at all, do comment, or write to me at obsessiveclothingdesire@gmail.com

I will be back home in less than a month! Can’t fucking wait!

Kiwi Accessories

Who said two friends should never indulge in a business? Read more to get the whole pulp.

 

OCD: When people shop, people know the brand but the face behind the brand. Tell us something about yourselves. What makes you’ll so interesting that Kiwi got interesting?

KA: Kiwi is a creative intervention between two architects- Rashi Jain and Rochelle Santimano.
As architecture students unsatisfied with college assignments and project work, we decided to do something different and unconventional, leading to the birth of Kiwi Accessories.
We’ve been good friends through five years of architecture and have always shared a mutual inclination towards fashion and creative arts. We understand each other’s taste and sensibility, can relate to each other’s preferences, and can depend on each other’s strengths which makes working together interesting as well as fun.

Aren’t they a stylish pair?

OCD: It’s never easy to make something big from a scratch. Especially now that everyone buys mass produced stuff, how the fuck are you’ll managing to keep the authenticity of handmade accessories and cater to that niche audience?

KA: More than creating the brand, publicizing and spreading awareness about the existence of Kiwi as a handmade accessories brand was a mammoth task. But thanks to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and of course family and friends, we’ve been able to reach where we are today.

 

OCD: What made you’ll decide to get done with architecture once and for all and move to something totally different? It takes a lot of courage to switch career paths.

KA: Our passion towards fashion and creative arts is what pushed us to start our own brand rather than a person/event in particular.

 

OCD: What product is your baby? The one you are so proud of that your own brand got to create something like this.

KA: Since both of us love dogs, designing and executing our line of pet accessories has been fun and challenging making the ribbon dog collars our personal favorite!

 

 

OCD: Lastly how would you sum of the personality of your brand?

KA: A metaphor for the fruit: fresh, vibrant and rare.

The reason I truly like Kiwi is because these days everyone is wearing mass produced crap from factories. No personal identity whatsoever. OCD is all about letting your style be an extension of your soul. Be different. And selling handmade items is no joke and takes a lot to do it. Check out their beautiful handmade accessories below:

Also make sure to encourage them by visiting Kiwi at The Network on the 1st and 2nd of December in Bombay. Click on this link to know more: http://www.facebook.com/cibaroevents

Also check out Kiwi Accessories at https://www.facebook.com/pages/kiwi-accessories/181085908634799

5 must haves for this fall 2012

1. Loafers: 

Give your fave ballet flats a rest this fall and pick up a pair of these must-have alternatives — smoking slippers. These menswear-inspired loafers are not only uber-comfortable, but can be worn with pretty much everything in your closet. And since they’re available in every color and print imaginable, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a pair that doesn’t match your personal style.

 

2. Studded Collars:

Amp up your style cred by rocking a statement-making studded, sequined or beaded collar this season. A statement collared blouse or dress creates a glam, yet feminine vibe, but if you’re looking for something more versatile, try a detached collar. Just as the name suggests, these collars can be worn with anything and will breathe new life into your favorite sweaters, tees and dresses.

3. Anything in Oxblood:

As I’m sure you know, all things oxblood are hot for fall, so be sure to pick up at least one new item in this hot hue. This moody shade looks fantastic when paired with black or gray, but if  you’re looking for something bolder, try pairing oxblood with orange or light pink to create a fashion-forward look.

4. Graphic Sweaters:

Make a bold and comfy statement this season with an on-trend graphic sweater. Pairing these sweaters withjeans and boots creates a cozy fall outfit, but I especially love how they look when layered over a collared top or dress (see #4).

5. Printed Pants:

Last but not least, my final favorite item to update your look for fall is a fantastic pair of printed trousers. Whether you like leopard, polka dot or floral prints, you’re sure to find your perfect pair at almost any retailer. Wearing these trousers with a solid-colored top creates a chic look, but for a bolder outfit, pair them with a printed top or jacket to create a fashion-forward vibe.

Cheating is a good thing.

Everyone cheats. You started cheating since you were a baby. You cheated your way through your mom’s heart just to get an extra candy. You cheated your way into good grades by copying answers from your partner during an exam. Well obviously not all cheating is good. But not all cheating is bad either. Follow these fashion cheats, like me, and it will become much easier to love fashion and be comfortable.

1. Bag it: So you want to wear those gorgeous sky-high heels, but the roads are a bitch and you also you cannot balance on them? Do what I do. Carry a classy sling over or a satchel. Also carry a paper bag. (Be green please!) Now what you do is get out of your house wearing flats. Try wearing ballerinas or loafers and not flip flops. Carry your heels in a disposable bag. Trot around everywhere until you are a minute away from your destination. Then just remove your flats, take that paper bag, put your flats in them and into your satchel and slip on your heels. Nobody will know once you enter the destination that you have been cheating. Also if you are at a house party, or dinner party or anything apart from a club, if you get uncomfortable in your heels, you always have your flats at your disposition. Heels go back into the bag, flats come back onto your feet. Also note: The sling over you are carrying, make sure it is pretty and goes with your outfit so it can be substituted for a dressy clutch.

 

2. Show it off: So you’ve got a gorgeous dress but the only problem is it’s plunging neckline? Don’t want people thinking you’re trashy to wear something this low for a formal dinner party etc? Just wear a statement necklace to take the attention from the cleavage. If you’re dress has large print on it or has too many colours, then wear a smaller neckpiece. Something that partially covers your cleavage. Or distract them from big earrings and some red/hot pink lipstick.

 

3. Paint it red: So finally it’s your birthday/ anniversary or anything that is a big deal to you and that is when God decides it’s time to pay for your karma by giving you a throbbing zit on your face? Well give God the middle-finger. (I aint an atheist, just trying to write fun.) Put on a light coat of brown blush on your cheeks and the bridge of your nose to accentuate your cheek bones. And finish it by painting on some red/hot pink lipstick. Cause of the boldness of your lipstick, all your attention will be taken away from your zit onto your lush lips. Even if it’s the day time you can still rock your lips. Try hot pink for the day time if you think red is only for the nights.

 

4. Tape it: You got this gorgeous dress or skinnies but the only problem is it’s too long? Don’t have the time to go to a darji but you ought to wear it tonight? As long as you have some double sided tape or duct tape, you still have the chances to look like a diva. Just fold your dress/ skinnies/shorts/skirt/you get the point, to the length you desire and just tape them from inside. Duct tapes are pretty strong so you will be safe from a peeping hemline.

 

5. Rip it: Having one of those days where you have absolutely nothing to wear cause you feel fat? All you need is a loose tee you don’t wear often. Just take a pair of scissors and cut the length of the tee. Make it a cropped tee. Put on some skinnies, flats, some accessories and your ‘new’ cropped tee and parade out.

 

If you have any more cheats, I would love to know. Do comment here or email me at obsessiveclothingdesire@gmail.com

Look from a book: Matilda by Roald Dahl

This probably was one of the first books that I ended up finishing in one day and probably the first movie that made me cry.

P.S: I am a major book nerd. Books before flicks. Always.

Bookworm Basics

• Matilda was the original bookworm! At the tender age of three, she taught herself to read and began to realize she was incredibly gifted. She began adding huge sums in her head, absorbing information, and moving items with her mind all by the age of four. Throughout the story, her intellect alienates her from her greedy, materialistic family, but she finds solace at school and the library. While at school, she befriends Miss Honey and other kind-hearted people, while also encountering the violent and scary Miss Trunchbull.
• The story was originally published in 1988 in London, with Quentin Blake’s quirky illustrations. Since then, Matilda has been converted into a film and a musical. As a tribute to Roald Dahl and his brilliant works, the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery was built and established to stimulate children’s interests in science and literature.

So now that you recollect the book/movie or at least know a little about it, let’s get into the post directly.

Matilda the doll

Matilda is one of my favorite characters from childhood. It’s impossible not to love her for her tiny, telekinetic, bookwormy self! Not only does she have great taste in books, but she’s always willing to stand up for what she believes in. Even though her parents are con artists, Matilda is incorruptible and only uses her powers for good and helping others!

Take a page from Matilda’s style book with this look. A denim chambray shirtdress is casually cute when worn with preppy white boat shoes. The fun zebra detailing on the wicker clutch adds a little zest to this fun daytime outfit. This look would be perfect for going to go do a volunteer project! After all, a good deed is a great way to end these last few days of summer… and Matilda would agree!

Miss Honey

The sweetly sophisticated Miss Honey is Matilda’s best friend, confidante, and eventual guardian. Her refined tastes and gentleness make her a hit with all the students, and she always manages to stay positive, despite the difficult life she’s had. At the end of the story, Miss Honey finally gains the courage to join Matilda in standing up to the evil Miss Trunchbull.

Mirror Miss Honey’s girly, feminne tastes with this summery business casual outfit! Combine current trends andconventional office wear by mixing a peach pencil skirt with a “honey”suckle belt and a zany peplum top. Because the skirt and the pumps are both solid colored (note the capped toe, another great trend!), the blouse acts as a springy, lively addition. A cute statement case for your spectacles is the final flourish.

Tough Trunchbull

The evil and slightly sadistic Miss Agatha Trunchbull derives joy from making the lives of her students as miserable as possible. If you’ve ever had a particularly mean teacher, multiply that experience by 10 and you’ll have Miss Trunchbull. As headmistress of Crunchem Hall Primary School, Miss T runs the academy like a twisted boot camp, throwing hammers and locking her students in tiny closets lined with nails and needles.

You don’t have to be as tyrannical as “The Bull” to rock the military trend. A camo green skater dress with brass buttons and a high collar is one half girly and one half army general. A distressed denim vest and ripped tights add to the toughness factor, but are balanced by a delicate set of bangles matched to a utilitarian white watch. Combat ankle boots finish the look.

So that’s all for the bookworms!

Do let me know how you like this post. Do you want me to create outfits from other books/novels? Do write to me for suggestions or complaints or just to tell me you like OCD.

obsessiveclothingdesire@gmail.com

Must-haves this fall/winter 2011

With winter just around the corner, you need to refurnish your wardrobe. To make that easier for you, OCD picks out the must haves for this winter. They just have to make their way through your wardrobe. Let’s start with the list:

1. Statement necklaces- These statement necklaces are the perfect way to dress up a basic tee or to add some edge to your favorite LBD. Sound like your kind of jewelry? Here are some of our favorites:

 

Knee length socks- These tall stockings will totally transform your favorite summer dresses, shorts, skirts and rompers into fall. They’ll also give you some extra coverage and keep your legs safe from the eyes of lecherous men. We think these socks look chic with flats, oxfords and heels, but we especially love the way over-the-knee socks look when paired with tall boots.

 

3. An over-large cozy sweater- Since it is getting a little dry outside and our winters go upto at least 20* (which I know isn’t that much) but having an over-large sweater is always good. Wear it off-shoulder and pair them up with leggings or pencil jeans. Strut the the stuff in slippers, ballets, pumps or boots, the sweaters will yet look good.