Style Blog

Jewellery making is supposed to have begun thousands of years back in India. This is the reason why India is known to have a wide collection of jewellery styles and designs. Just by looking at the design, you can say the category it belongs to. The jewellery that you come across in India will have a certain type of uniqueness that differentiates it from the rest. Due to the fact that this nation was overflowing with different kinds of precious gems and metals, they were effectively used as ornaments, beautifying each body part. This was one of the crucial reasons for people from other nations visiting India. The kings and queens of the earlier days wore jewels to show off the amount of wealth in their possession and also their power and prestige. However, with the passage of time, it became a symbol of investment and financial security. Jewels have always retained their aesthetic appeal and financial worth all these years and are hence seen as an ingenious expression, which is comprised of design and workmanship. Jewellery in India is developed different kinds of raw materials, which includes gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stones, emeralds, rubies and semi-precious stones, such as opal, turquoise and many more. You’ll find a wide variety jewels for both humans and gods. Each region in the nation is famous for different kinds of jewellery design that is exclusive to that particular area. For example, dainty filigree work, which is composed of silver is unique and a favorite in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Delhi is famous for Kundan jewellery, which is made from both precious as well as semi-precious stones. Jaipur, in Rajasthan, is acclaimed for meenakari work, which makes use of enamel while designing jewellery. Nagercoil is famous for temple jewellery.

Meenakari jewellery, temple jewellery and antique jewellery have a massive fan base not only in the country, but even in foreign shores. Temple jewellery is very often associated to dancers, who perform classical dance, such as Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. These designs are intricate and are dotted with semi-precious stones in colors of green and red. The set is composed of necklaces, anklets, earrings and pieces that beautify the hip, hair, feet and hair plaits. At present, antique jewellery designs are in huge demand. Very often they are present versions of jewels made from gold and silver but with a faded appearance. Meenakari and Kundan gold jewellery items are seen to have been impacted by the Mughal craftsmen and rulers. These jewels are very much renowned among people residing in Northern India. They rope in enamel painting besides including precious stones. This kind of jewellery design is ideal for designing chokers and necklaces. This particular art form involves flowers, motifs of plants, vines and also animals.

Toe rings and anklets are known as “Bichuas” and “Payals” respectively in India. They add beauty to the feet and are made up of silver. These are usually worn by married women or girls who will be getting married shortly. Sometimes, they are also used as fashion jewellery.

There are so many different subcultures these days that sometimes it can be hard to keep up with them all. Indies, Goths, Emos, Hipsters, Punks and more make up our modern world. A lot of designer labels take inspiration from these sub cultures and use their clothing choices to influence their latest collections. This then descends to the catwalks and then on to the high street, where people will then pick up these pieces and add them to their wardrobes. You may not realise it, but there is sure to be something in your closet that has been influenced by a popular sub culture.

A lot of famous designers have made their name by creating collections inspired by these sub cultures. Vivienne Westwood is one example, she first started out by producing collections inspired by bikers and later went on to create pieces centred around punk rock trends. This propelled her to fashion fame and she is now one of the most well know clothing designers in the world.

A photo from an early Vivienne Westwood collection. Image source – http://fashiontimeline-fashionista.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Another well know sub culture that inspired a generation of fashion is Mod. Many designer labels started out by creating clothing for the young Mods. Since the 1950’s, the Mod sub culture has been centred on having a particular look and style which is achieved by choosing certain clothing items. Doc Martens, khaki parkas, check shirts, polo tops, denim jeans and narrow ties were all seen as Mod wardrobe essentials. Designer labels including Lambretta, Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent have all been part of the Mod style at one time or another. Today you will still find many recognisable clothing items which resemble true Mod fashion. 

It's amazing the wildlife you see in and around a marina.  Yesterday it was a small viper, and swifts darting around, and today a special treat, about 30 Honey Buzzards migrating above our heads from North Africa into Europe.

What will tomorrow bring?

@jsmithwriter

Vivek Oberoi Reveals His Childhood Crush On Bollywood Actress, Juhi Chawla

At many of the events and shows, many of the actors reveal their childhood crushes and so has Bollywod actor, Vivek Oberoi. He has declared who his childhood crush was. In ‘India’s Best Dramebaaz’, talent hunt show he divulged the name of his crush during childhood. Vivek reveals that after watching the film, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, he had a big crush on Bollywood actress Juhi Chawla. Vivek expressed his admiration for Juhi when she came for promoting her upcoming movie at a show. Vivek was not able to hold on to his emotions and right before her, he opened out his heart. He told her that after watching Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, and watching her shake a leg to the famous song – Gazab Kah Hai Din from the film he had started having a crush on her. The film has now completed 25 years.

On hearing about the crush Juhi Chawla laughed aloud and said that, it meant that Vivek had a crush on her when he was just about ten years old. Vivek recollects that having watched the film as a kid Juhi became the ultimate woman for him. He says that most boys of his childhood fell in love with her enduing cute smile and vivacious ways. He said this at a reality show where he has become a judge. Juhi was also at the show for the ‘Hum Hai Rahi Car Ke’ upcoming film promotion.

Imran Khan Gets Pricey For His Next Film Ouatima

Imran Khan, the chocolate boy is the latest Khan who is signing films for crores. He too has joined the bandwagon like the rest of the Khans who also sign films for crores. For just one single film Quatima, he has demanded a whopping 11 crores. So far many of the Khans and Kumars, like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shahrukh Khan and Amir Khan have demanded crores for their films, but the latest grapevine is that even Imran Khan has demanded 11 crores for ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbai 2’.

Akshay Kumar Fails To Get Footage At A Publicity Stunt At The IPL 2013

Something went horribly wrong with Akshay Kumar’s publicity stunt at the IPL 6. ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Again’ was the forthcoming release this macho actor wanted to promote at the Eden Gardens. Sonakshi Sinha, Imran Khan and Akshay Kumar wore specially designed shirts to promote the movie when they entered the Eden Gardens. The trio had thought that with their starry presence and the print on their T Shirts – ‘Once Upon A Time In IPL’ they would be able to woo the cameras.

The tag line on the shirts was very similar to the upcoming film release, ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Again’. The three actors had turned up for the game between Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders at the IPL 6, a high octane game, for promoting their film. However the cameras did not focus on the three actors which was not anticipated by Akki. The camera lenses had snubbed the three stars quite royally. It was discovered later on that, it was the behest of the administration officials that the cameras at the IPL were being operated due to which Akki and the two actors were not able to get even a second of the air time.

It must be noted that an official agreement is required for any campaign for promoting films by stars. According to the rules at the IPL games there is a code of conduct that needs to be stringently adhered to. Films stars are not allowed to indulge in any kind of cheeky campaign to promote their films. Celebrities of Bollywood town have always considered the IPL games as a massive tool for public relations, project promotion, etc. Whenever there is such a promotional drive to be undertaken, it becomes mandatory for the Bollywood town celebrities to seek permission before hand. It is heard that Akshay Kumar was not kicked about the idea of wearing the T Shirt for promoting the film, but it was the promotional team of his film who had convinced him that this gimmick would turn out to be a favorable one for him. However the gimmick only backfired. While Akshay Kumar was not successful in getting just 15 seconds of fame at the IPL 6, Shahrukh Khan, Akshay’s rival was seen clapping, cheering and waving for his team at the IPL this season.

IPL 2013 Distracts Poonam Pandey!

The wine available in the supermarkets here in Spain ranges from 99 cents to 4 euros and above. Generally, I go for a Spanish-produced red in the 1,30 - 2,00 euro bracket, such as the vino tinto Tempranillo pictured.

Now, I can just hear the cries of derision from Brits claiming, "It must be rubbish at that price!” - something I have heard many times before. And therein lies a deep naivety, since the Spanish people do not accept junk. Generally, they have refined pallets, do not overindulge, and certainly know about quality in the food and drink department.

The quality of my ‘budget’ wine is usually far superior to the processed screw-topped equivalents in British supermarkets, off-licences, and certainly wine bars and pubs.

Something to ponder when you're next spending £6, £11, and £20 on your bottle of wine in the UK.

On a final note, please opt for real cork stoppers, since cork production is a sustainable industry and the cork oak forests provide vital habitat for globally endangered species.