Thursday, September 27, 2012

SanaSafinaz keeps you coming back for more


KARACHI: 
After one failed attempt at having a tete-a-tete with Pakistani ladies’ favourite lawn duo due to the city’s recent security situation, The Express Tribune finally succeeded in touching base with Sana Safinaz — four time winners of the Lux Style Awards in the lawn category. 
Safinaz Muneer welcomed us into SanaSafinaz’s revamped Bridal Lounge at Jason VIP Apartments in Clifton to talk about their latest enterprise. The spacious lounge is done up with stately furniture in muted colours; in various rooms, their collection of mostly dark red and maroon — with some lighter mint and Kashmiri tea pink — ghararas and flowy bridal dupattas are displayed on mannequins and racks. As our photographer adjusted her lens, a helper from the SanaSafinaz team adjusted the painchas of the beautifully worked farshis that could momentarily take one’s breath away.
Dressed in a fresh blue cotton kurta with casual white pants and Tory Burch flip flops, Safinaz was busy with brides-to-be and some prospective mothers-in-law before we had a chance to catch up. She explains that the duo’s move to expand their bridal collection was overdue. “We believe the bridal experience is one to cherish and it should be made as pleasant as possible,” she says. With dozens of heavily worked bridal outfits available for eager young women to look at, the lounge’s large collection presents a bevy of options. “A 21st century bride wants to know what she is wearing. It’s an old and an archaic expression that she is ‘not interested’,” explains Safinaz. “When a mother-in-law comes to place an order, the bride-to-be wants to know all about it and is 100 percent interested.”
While most brides complain that designers take too long to get their outfits ready, or that they have no idea what the final piece will look like — a reality that give brides nightmares — Safinaz understands that the bridal outfit is “something you should love to wear”. “For our brides, each one is special. Here, they can place an order but they have to wait for three month time period!”
But if the jora is being displayed at the boutique for everyone to see, is there an element of surprise? Will everyone know what the bride will be wearing before her wedding day?
“The girl and her mother-in-law know [what the outfit looks like],” Safinaz explains.  But if someone from the baradari [extended family] turns up and asks what the bride is wearing, we never, ever tell them details or price. It’s something very personal and that’s our policy.”
Retail queens
After being on every lawn enthusiast’s must-have list, these ambitious businesswomen have yet another shift in their business module. SanaSafinaz will soon be launching four retail stores across the country, with two in Karachi and one each in Lahore and Islamabad.
“In every household across the country, there is at least one working woman in the family,” says Safinaz, explaining the philosophy behind the designer duo’s upcoming endeavour.  “We are now catering to that growing demand of ready-to-wear products for that woman.”
The retail shops will cater to clients who can spend between Rs3,000 to Rs20,000 for office-wear and evening-wear in stitched and unstitched fabric. Shoes and chappals will also be stocked at these stores.
According to Safinaz, the key to success is innovation. She says that her and Sana Hashwani have always been ambitious girls with a strong business sense. “Success begets success!” Safinaz exclaims. There is no doubting the ambition and success of these constantly innovative women who stand out as possibly the first designer-entrepreneurs of the country. More power to them!  
Published in The Express Tribune, September 27th, 2012.

Did you know? Japan’s latest fashion trend — bagel heads!


Technicians inject 400 cc of saline in a person’s forehead to create a forehead-sized blob and then places his thumb into the blob creating an indentation — and you have a bagel!
While Botox may be a norm in some parts of the world, in others it’s a whole new injection game altogether — saline bagel-shaped injections into the forehead. This bizarre beauty treatment has apparently become a keen part of Japan’s body modification art scene.
Technicians inject 400 cc of saline in a person’s forehead to create a forehead-sized blob and then places his thumb into the blob creating an indentation — and you have a bagel!
“People who like extreme body modification are always looking for new ways and experimenting,” Keroppy (Japanese artist) told Vice, according to the Huffington Post.
Luckily these injections don’t have permanent effects — the round shape fades after about 16 hours as your body begins to absorb the salty fluid. However, what we don’t understand, is why in the world would anyone want a “bagel” on, or to be more precise “in” their heads?
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2012.         
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Saturday, September 22, 2012

Bridal make-overs | Model: Sidra Batool

Every woman wants to look and feel beautiful on her wedding day. From bridal makeovers to the bridal ornaments, each process is often planned far in advance. As far as your makeover is concerned, on your wedding day you can choose to glamorise your look, however, it's better not to take on a huge risk. The basics are really all that you may need for your big day. Look for a foundation which will give you a dewy glow, without leading to shine. Choose waterproof mascara for your lashes. Choose a matching lip colour for your lips and forgo heavy lip liners and lipsticks. Make your eyes the highlight of your face, by applying a rich hue of brown, gray or metallic tones to your lids. Smudge darker coloured eyeliner onto the top of your upper lash line for a smoky effect. Keep in mind that your bridal makeover should suit you.
Don't wait until your wedding day to try something new, or you could be in for a bad surprise. Not only could your makeup look bad but it could also cause an allergic reaction if not tried before. However, a flawless bridal look is incomplete without beautiful and elegant jewellery. Nowadays, silver metal jewellery which is usually gold-plated is in vogue. These gold-plated bridal jewellery sets are usually adorned with beautiful beads, pearls, stones and crystals etc. Besides matching silver and gold plated jewellery, kundan is always in huge demand. Bridal ornaments come in various different styles and colours. Hence, you can choose from whatever style strikes your fancy. The thing to remember is, to keep your bridal look simple and elegant. Don't overdo it or you'll end up with makeup and gems that will outshine you!

* Makeup & Photography: Wajid Khan 
* Jewellery: Anum Yazdani 
* Designer: Basit 
* Coordination: Thomas Fernandes
* Styling: T-Factor 
* Model: Sidra Batool 

FASHION MAGAZINES

Hot Model Sana Ali | Latest Shalwar Kameez

Sunglasses or sun glasses Latest Style

Sunglasses or sun glasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid, as variously termed spectacles or glasses exist, featuring lenses that are colored, polarized or darkened. In the early 20th century they were also known as sun cheaters (cheaters being an American slangterm for glasses). 
Major brands
  • Oakley, Inc.
  • Ray-Ban
  • Kaenon Polarized
  • Maui Jim
  • Costa Del Mar
  • Persol
  • Serengeti
  • Luxottica
  • ic! berlin
  • Randolph Engineering, Inc.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Hot Model Sana Ali | Latest Shalwar Kameez

Sunglasses or sun glasses Latest Style

Sunglasses or sun glasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid, as variously termed spectacles or glasses exist, featuring lenses that are colored, polarized or darkened. In the early 20th century they were also known as sun cheaters (cheaters being an American slangterm for glasses). 
Major brands
  • Oakley, Inc.
  • Ray-Ban
  • Kaenon Polarized
  • Maui Jim
  • Costa Del Mar
  • Persol
  • Serengeti
  • Luxottica
  • ic! berlin
  • Randolph Engineering, Inc.

Monday, September 10, 2012

The Hottest Nail Polish Trends to Try Now



The Hottest Nail Polish Trends to Try NowIf there ever was a time to experiment with nail polish, that time is now. There are no rules – anything goes. You can go super dark, very light, bright colours, or a mix of all of it. This summer there was a lot of bright green, bold turquoise, and periwinkle blue and you can wear those all through the year, but the look everyone should try now is painting their own nails as if it was a spa manicure.
Almost anyone can do it, and if your hand isn't too steady, ask a friend. The look doesn't have to be perfect either. Try a light turquoise, let dry. Paint the tips gold, then use a coral red to add dots by dipping a toothpick in the polish.
Black is the new black... with a hint of galaxy sparkle. You can use a clear glitter polish over any colour, but people love the bits of colour look on a super dark nail. Would also look great on the darkest gray, deepestThe Hottest Nail Polish Trends to Try Nowblue, and nearly jet black green.
Try polka dots! These nails do look polished to perfection, but you can try the nail stickers sold everywhere if you are afraid of colouring little dots on your own fingernails. But remember, the look doesn't have to be as perfect as this. The mixing of the colorus is what makes it fun. So why not try. Get that toothpick out for this one, too.
Go crazy! You can really polish anything on your nails. These four little lines set against a French manicure looks tropical. There is even a little glued on sparkle chip. If you aren't into that, you can do a dot of another colour. Try it on a solid light colour or a solid dark colour. Experiment!
Of course, if you prefer your nails to be light and simple, go gold. Looks great with every skin tone and is a pretty pop at your fingertips.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

The Hottest Nail Polish Trends to Try Now


The Hottest Nail Polish Trends to Try NowIf there ever was a time to experiment with nail polish, that time is now. There are no rules – anything goes. You can go super dark, very light, bright colours, or a mix of all of it. This summer there was a lot of bright green, bold turquoise, and periwinkle blue and you can wear those all through the year, but the look everyone should try now is painting their own nails as if it was a spa manicure.
Almost anyone can do it, and if your hand isn't too steady, ask a friend. The look doesn't have to be perfect either. Try a light turquoise, let dry. Paint the tips gold, then use a coral red to add dots by dipping a toothpick in the polish.
Black is the new black... with a hint of galaxy sparkle. You can use a clear glitter polish over any colour, but people love the bits of colour look on a super dark nail. Would also look great on the darkest gray, deepestThe Hottest Nail Polish Trends to Try Nowblue, and nearly jet black green.
Try polka dots! These nails do look polished to perfection, but you can try the nail stickers sold everywhere if you are afraid of colouring little dots on your own fingernails. But remember, the look doesn't have to be as perfect as this. The mixing of the colorus is what makes it fun. So why not try. Get that toothpick out for this one, too.
Go crazy! You can really polish anything on your nails. These four little lines set against a French manicure looks tropical. There is even a little glued on sparkle chip. If you aren't into that, you can do a dot of another colour. Try it on a solid light colour or a solid dark colour. Experiment!
Of course, if you prefer your nails to be light and simple, go gold. Looks great with every skin tone and is a pretty pop at your fingertips.

The Hottest Nail Polish Trends to Try Now


The Hottest Nail Polish Trends to Try NowIf there ever was a time to experiment with nail polish, that time is now. There are no rules – anything goes. You can go super dark, very light, bright colours, or a mix of all of it. This summer there was a lot of bright green, bold turquoise, and periwinkle blue and you can wear those all through the year, but the look everyone should try now is painting their own nails as if it was a spa manicure.
Almost anyone can do it, and if your hand isn't too steady, ask a friend. The look doesn't have to be perfect either. Try a light turquoise, let dry. Paint the tips gold, then use a coral red to add dots by dipping a toothpick in the polish.
Black is the new black... with a hint of galaxy sparkle. You can use a clear glitter polish over any colour, but people love the bits of colour look on a super dark nail. Would also look great on the darkest gray, deepestThe Hottest Nail Polish Trends to Try Nowblue, and nearly jet black green.
Try polka dots! These nails do look polished to perfection, but you can try the nail stickers sold everywhere if you are afraid of colouring little dots on your own fingernails. But remember, the look doesn't have to be as perfect as this. The mixing of the colorus is what makes it fun. So why not try. Get that toothpick out for this one, too.
Go crazy! You can really polish anything on your nails. These four little lines set against a French manicure looks tropical. There is even a little glued on sparkle chip. If you aren't into that, you can do a dot of another colour. Try it on a solid light colour or a solid dark colour. Experiment!
Of course, if you prefer your nails to be light and simple, go gold. Looks great with every skin tone and is a pretty pop at your fingertips.

10 Beauty Secrets Every Woman Must Know


10 Beauty Secrets Every Woman Must Know 
Try out these expert tips to get perfect hair, makeup, and skin 


Add Layers

To add length or volume to your hair, steer clear of extensions in not-found-in-nature colors and textures that don't blend with your own. Also, since it's difficult to disguise the point of attachment, use hairpieces just to lengthen aTwo Minute Blowdryponytail or fatten an undo.
Two Minute Blowdry
When you're strapped for time, do the T-zone blow-dry: down your part and around your hairline only. As long Golden Locksas the front and top of your hair looks finished, so will you.




Golden Locks
Blonde hair – especially if it's porous – absorbs gray light, making it look dull New Bang Theoryand flat. Adding the warm apricot lowlights complements paler winter skin, and a gloss is essential to seal the hair and reflect shine.
New Bang Theory
A fringe shaping or "dusting" revives a cut, opens up the face, and can therefore help stretch out the time between appointments. An expert cut on long hair can look fresh for up to threeTry Before You Buymonths, but short hair is a little less forgiving.

Try Before You Buy
Prior to committing to a haircut with a pricey new stylist, go for a blow-dry first. You'll get an inexpensive sample of her taste and personality.

Flawless Updo
Flawless Updo
After you've secured your undo, spritz a clean mascara wand with hairspray and comb up from the nape of the neck toward Va-va-voom Volumethe bun to smooth down any stray hairs. Also do this above the ears. Only the bun should have a messy texture.
Va-va-voom Volume
To add height to hair, spray volumiser at the roots and blow-dry while lifting sections with a brush. Tease hair at the crown, then bobby-pin the pieces low at the back, sweeping them over the top of
High-Tech Curlsyour ears.
High-Tech Curls
For the perfect curl, grab a ceramic curling iron that uses Tourmaline technology. Tourmaline is a natural crystal commonly used because of its negative ionic charge, which eliminates frizz and closes your hair cuticle, whilePlump Puckerceramic irons distribute heat evenly on rods, meaning there are no "hot spots" that can burn hair and cause damage.
Plump Pucker
For fuller lips, go for a glossy look. Try first outlining the perimeter of your lips using a concealer brush dipped in bronzer two shades deeper than your skin tone. Then, top pout with gold, peach, or coral gloss.

10 Beauty Secrets Every Woman Must Know


10 Beauty Secrets Every
Woman Must Know

Try out these expert tips to get perfect hair, makeup, and skin 


Add Layers

To add length or volume to your hair, steer clear of extensions in not-found-in-nature colors and textures that don't blend with your own. Also, since it's difficult to disguise the point of attachment, use hairpieces just to lengthen aTwo Minute Blowdryponytail or fatten an undo.
Two Minute Blowdry
When you're strapped for time, do the T-zone blow-dry: down your part and around your hairline only. As long Golden Locksas the front and top of your hair looks finished, so will you.




Golden Locks
Blonde hair – especially if it's porous – absorbs gray light, making it look dull New Bang Theoryand flat. Adding the warm apricot lowlights complements paler winter skin, and a gloss is essential to seal the hair and reflect shine.
New Bang Theory
A fringe shaping or "dusting" revives a cut, opens up the face, and can therefore help stretch out the time between appointments. An expert cut on long hair can look fresh for up to threeTry Before You Buymonths, but short hair is a little less forgiving.

Try Before You Buy
Prior to committing to a haircut with a pricey new stylist, go for a blow-dry first. You'll get an inexpensive sample of her taste and personality.

Flawless Updo
Flawless Updo
After you've secured your undo, spritz a clean mascara wand with hairspray and comb up from the nape of the neck toward Va-va-voom Volumethe bun to smooth down any stray hairs. Also do this above the ears. Only the bun should have a messy texture.
Va-va-voom Volume
To add height to hair, spray volumiser at the roots and blow-dry while lifting sections with a brush. Tease hair at the crown, then bobby-pin the pieces low at the back, sweeping them over the top of
High-Tech Curlsyour ears.
High-Tech Curls
For the perfect curl, grab a ceramic curling iron that uses Tourmaline technology. Tourmaline is a natural crystal commonly used because of its negative ionic charge, which eliminates frizz and closes your hair cuticle, whilePlump Puckerceramic irons distribute heat evenly on rods, meaning there are no "hot spots" that can burn hair and cause damage.
Plump Pucker
For fuller lips, go for a glossy look. Try first outlining the perimeter of your lips using a concealer brush dipped in bronzer two shades deeper than your skin tone. Then, top pout with gold, peach, or coral gloss.