The Yin & Yang In Fashion

The Chinese meaning of yin and yang tells us how opposite or contrary forces are actually

complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world. And my natural world is

surrounded by clothes and fashion. Period

Thus it occurred to me that yin & yang in fashion is such an important phenomenon which slowly and silently keeps cooking in everyone's wardrobe.It speaks volumes about your personality and the way in which you communicate about your fashion/style to others.

Every strand of thread that we wear communicates without words.

Following is the latest S/S 16 collection from a fashion brand named Red Oranges, showing yin and yang in fashion .

Yin has receding elements. So in fashion dictionary, it'll have characteristics like-

• Thin Lines / Horizontal Lines / Curved/Small Shapes / Low Contrast Color Combinations / Light Weight/Sheer Fabrics with natural flow

Where as Yang has exceeding elements or opposite of Yin, like -

• Thick Lines / Vertical Lines / Angled/Large Shapes / High Contrast Color Combinations / Heavy Weight Fabrics 

Thus we can also say that yin will be more feminine, softer and subtle. And yang will be stronger and draws attention.

At Red Oranges flagship store in Kolkata you can find both Yin & Yang elements. It's color story for S/S 16 goes from Beige to Baby Pink to Yellow to Fierce Red/Orange to a strong and bold plum. And the fabric story is woven from 100% organic voiles to silk muslin to Georgette to crepe. 

Find your yin&yang at Red Oranges.

Spring Belongs To The Mule

There is always a shoe of the season and this spring belongs to the mule. The reason that this is a good thing is because they are not revealing as a sandal but not as covered as a trainer. And one more amazing advantage is that no one can see the gnarly toes unless you are wearing a peep-toe version. Along with this mules do not cut off legs in the same way as the ankle straps do.

Celine Mules

Gucci Mules

H&M Mules

Next Mule

Zara  Mule

The mule has been edging it's way back into the fashion arena since the past few seasons, like - Manolo Blahnik, Balenciaga, Miu Miu and Victoria Beckham have given mules, catwalk prominence of late. Even pop stars and actresses like Rihanna, Olivia Palermo and Gwyneth Paltrow are swearing by the mules. A flatter version of the mules looks a little tomboyish with less risk of spraining the ankle.

Here's a how to wear mules guide -

Mules look great teamed with

• Culottes 
• Skirts 
• Pair of straight leg cropped jeans. 

How not to break your ankle in mules - 

• Opt for styles that have very wide strap or those that only bare the ankle
• The more support the better for your ankle

If you are in Mumbai and want to but a stylish pair of mules and do not wish to spend a penny on branded mules yet look like a million dollars then head to Linking Road, Bandra. There are three shops back to back selling the most stylish mules of the season. Pocket pinch - Rs.1500 to Rs.2500.

You can also buy mules from Zara, India - Rs2290 for plain (but has 70% goat leather) and Rs4590 for the printed ones. 

Remember to go slowly, these are not the shoes to go charging about :P

Do share your mule experience.