Shoes make the man!

Men's shopping column - Shopper's Link - March 2011 issue.

Shoes make the man!

The task of choosing the right footwear has become an indispensable requirement, not just to remain in vogue, but to project the right image in the appropriate setting.

Here’s a simple guide to finding the right pair of shoes to match your extensive wardrobe.

The Classic Oxford shoes

These traditional leather shoes have been around for a very long time designed in an assorted array of styles (namely kilties, wingtip, saddle, open laced and closed laced) and fabrics to suit the needs of the occasion. They are lace-up shoes that end below the ankle and most of them have a cap of leather sewn over the toe area. These shoes are a great match for corporate wear or a formal occasion.

Loafers

Loafers are slip-on shoes without any lace. They can be categorized as formal

and semi-formal footwear based on its design and style. Loafer shoes are a versatile choice and come in a range of patterns. While teaming it with casual wear, wearing socks with these shoes are optional. Flat leather loafers or suede loafers can be paired with jeans, khakis, three-fourths and cargo pants. One can also team up ‘bit loafers’ (with a mettle link across the middle) or ‘penny loafers’ (with a leather band across the top) with linen pants and a button down shirt to add that formal touch.

Boat Shoes

Boat shoes are very similar to loafers but are more suited to casual wear because of their varicolored designs. They can be worn with jeans, pants, chinos, khakis, shorts and three fourth pants.

Sandals

Sandals and flip flops are the most comfortable choice of footwear for men. Waterproof sandals, also called thongs, make great footwear for a day out by the pool or at the beach. Sports sandals, available at Adidas, Reebok, Nike, Puma and Bata, are well suited for outdoor sports activities. To achieve a formal look, leather sandals are a great choice as they have a more conventional look. While open toe sandals are a favorite, one must bear in mind some grooming tips:

Ensure feet are clean before wearing open toe shoes.

• Trim toe nails regularly and file them too

• Keep feet moisturized to prevent cracks

• Pedicures are not just for women. Get a pedicure at least once in three months to keep your feet clean and bacteria free.

Sports shoes

It is very important to choose the right sports shoe for exercises/sports to avoid any sports injury. Remember to ask the salesman to provide shoes based on the activity i.e. aerobics, tennis etc. Ensure you buy your shoes during the latter half of the day as your foot tends to broaden through the day.

Also ensure that there are no shoe defects. Avoid buying shoes on sale as the cushioning effect would have reduced over time and could result in injuries. The leading brands such as Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Puma, Bata are the best stops for sports shoes.

Tête-à-Tête with Nivya Babu

Tête-à-tête with Nivya Babu from the April-May issue of Shopper's Link below:

Her collection is unique and definitely worth checking out!! Click here to take a look..

Elegance in exclusivity

With a flair for art and education from a very young age, Nivya Babu is a young and talented entrant into the world of design. Having a deep-rooted interest in Indian fabrics, Nivya recently launched her own collection of exclusive Saris. With a background in Fine Arts and a post-graduation in Organizational Leadership from Melbourne, Nivya's passion for art, tradition and ethnicity drove her to design her collection that spells a traditional yet contemporary touch. Designing Saris for all occasions and age groups, she focuses on maintaining exclusivity of her designs thus making each piece unique. Simply put, her array of designs are classy, contemporary and clean.

1. Fashion to you is...

reflective.

2. Biggest challenge you face in designing



Understanding fabrics, as they have a mind of their own.

3. You would love to design for...

for the common woman to whom a saree is appealing.


4. Your most prized possession:

My Car

5. Your style inspiration comes from..

Almost everything.

6. Your style statement:

With Ethnic wear I like to go completely traditional, With western wear, I like to try new styles.

7. Favorite Indian shopping spot?

Janpath and Sarojini Nagar, Delhi.


8. What makes your designs stand apart?

My designs spell elegance, simplicity and tradition in its fabrics, colors and designs.

Men's Denim Guide

The latest column on 'Men's shoppping' has been included in Shopper's Link Magazine for the last 3 months.

This one here (the original one, ofcourse) is from the March Issue. - Denim Guide for Men.

"Denim Guide"

When it comes to men’s couture, there’s no doubt that jeans is the greatest inventions of all time. Buying the perfect pair is one thing, but accumulating a closet full of ill-fits is another.

Jeans are by far the most practical, adaptable and most desired garments for men. With various styles, cuts and prices to suit each one’s body types, taste and budgets, read on to discover how to choose an uber cool pair.

Slim/Straight fits are the most commonly available fits and yet classic. These are available in mid-rise, low-rise and ultra-low rise for those with lean,v-shaped bodies who like their clothes to be fitted.

Baggy fits spell comfort and are meant for those who abhor fashion’s latest and instead prefer a more relaxed and laid-back look. Pay attention to the length as these jeans are meant to sit low on your waists. A word of caution: these fits tend to add volume to your size and are best suited for Lean and tall body shapes.

Boot cut fits bring ‘Retro’ back but should be sported with caution. Steer away from wide-leg openings that resemble hipsters. They suit guys with a heavy build and make you look slimmer.

Knowing what style suits you can help you save time while shopping. Also remember to sit, squat, stretch and walk during trials to gauge your comfort."