Taboo, Monopoly, Poker, Kings and even Scrabble are just some of the many games that are slowly making their way back into main stream social life. Not just with teens, but with the working crowd as well. So here is a look at how to unwind at a friends place with a bottle of beer and a whole lot of board game fun. Remember to play up your personality and keep it simple and easy. I focused on doing a day to night look. If you’re just heading to a friend’s house chances are you’re not going to go home and then head back out, too tiring especially on a weekday! Oh and btw all the garments used are from FCUK’s latest collection.

Outfit no. 1

Strapless stripe bustier dress, team it up with a floral scarf and a woven belt to give this nautical look a boho twist. It’s comfy and super cute. Wear with some ballet flats or espadrilles and you are all set. Also you could do hoop or drop earrings. Keep it simple.

Outfit no. 2

This outfit is aimed at the college girl, who wants to be college smart and then head out after that to her friends place. A nice big bag for all those books and what not is essential. Some funky coloured wayfarers to add that pop of colour in the day. Tie in the look with a pair of brogue (that’s a must have for the season) and lots of wooden bangles to compliment the wood detail on the draw string.

Outfit no. 3

A little more for the older lady, this look is something to take from work to play. The sequin sweater is just an added bit of flash to put on to take the look into night. I love the wooden clutch it’s a statement and can be used for years and for a number of events. A pair of heels or some closed ballet plats are a great addition to this look.

By Sue Castellino for MissMalini

The backless dress has become a huge trend popping up all over the place at red carpets, clubs and even weddings. Plus, after Deepika Padukone wearing this hot mini pink backless Burberry Prorsum dress, it’s going to spark a huge trend! Yet, I’ve noticed not many women know how to wear them. First things first, never wear a bra, showing a strap is one thing, but showing the hooks at the back – TRASHY! If you’re comfortable going bra-less, then do so, however if you’re not, there are options.

You can opt for the silicon cutlets (as I like to call them), you get them at all lingerie stores. They have a slight adhesive and stay put with invisible straps that can be hidden. If you’re like me a know a little sewing (or get a tailor), sew in bra pads into the dress to avoid any embarrassing moments! The best way I find to avoid all backless dress issues, is to always try on the dress with the shoes and underwear you intend to wear with the dress. This helps you see just how revealing or unflattering the dress looks. Don’t forget to exfoliate and maybe even use a self tanner to eliminate any tan lines that may look odd. Especially if you’ve just gotten back from a holiday in Goa and have major bikini tan lines! FCUK is one of the few stores that actually offers you a tape when you buy a backless dress and usually also has cups inserted into the dress. Here are some great backless dress options from FCUK.

By Sue Castellino for MissMalini.com

What a night it was for fashion, especially for the charming Miss Anna Hathaway, who in my opinion out-shinned James Franco. Her stylist for the night must have wanted to please every demographic out there. A range of styles, from girly to vamp, to even 60′s glam! Why not? It’s one of Hollywood’s biggest night, may as well do it all! So which look do you love the most? Personally I was blown away by the Creme Givenchy dress (Look 2) and very partial to the Atelier Versace gown (Look 6).

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Details: Look 1 – Valentino Haute Couture, with Tiffany & Co. jewels, and Valentino Garavani.

Look 2 – Givenchy haute couture by Riccardo Tisci frock, Tiffany baubles, soft curls, and hidden Brian Atwood heels.

Look 3 – Lanvin, and Brian Atwood designed her one-of-a-kind, Swarovski crystal-encrusted pumps

Look 4 – Vivienne Westwood gown, amethyst-and-diamond Tiffany necklace, and metallic Jimmy Choo platform peep-toes

Look 5 – Oscar de la Renta dress

Look 6 – Atelier Versace gown

Look 7 – Giorgio Armani dress, a Tiffany cuff, Tanzanite earrings, and matching Armani shoes

Look 8 – Tom Ford dress

By Sue Castellino for MissMalini

It’s wedding season, and that means maximizing your wardrobe! If you have back to back weddings and don’t know what to wear, we’re here to help. I personally suggest creating a colour story. Lets say you have two destination weddings to go to, and need to pack just enough to look stylish yet wedding appropriate. Here’s what you do, start off with deciding what colours you’d like to wear. I recommend having two main colours with two complimentary accent colours. Below you can see two colour stories. I chose Blue and Orange as my main colours and white and gold as accents. The idea is that you can mix and match your accent colours with your mains.

Typically there are 3 events to every wedding, here are some looks to take you through those events. It’s always good to have one dress, one sari/ lenhenga and a bunch of separates like skirts, jackets, blouses etc. What pulls it all together are your accessories. Shoes should be kept neutral, or take two pairs that will work with both colours stories.

I find that if you plan what you are going to wear in advance, you land up being a more organized packer. Colour separating your choices just makes putting outfits together easy. Once you have packed what you are going to wear, leave room for some last min items. If you follow these simple rules it’ll make traveling and destination weddings a lot less stressful!

Many women ask me about when it’s alright to recycle your own wedding wear, I say wait for at least a year. Never wear your wedding dress or sari again, that’s a moment you want to treasure – once. The other saris and dresses can be worn to occasions where you are in a different friend circle, or even to a office soiree. Just remember, wear those outfits differently, change the sari blouse or accessorize with a jacket, make the dress/sari look different.

by Sue Castellino for MissMalini.com

Valentines day is just a week away, which means most of us will be out on a romantic dinner date. The looming question on everybody’s mind – What to wear? Don’t worry too much about it, we haven’t left you hanging in the fashion department before, and we’re not about to now! Here are some suggestions to look your best but keeping your personality on display. I decided to take inspiration from the girly girls, the rocker chicks and the Bollywood divas. Pick one that most suits you or try out  a style that you like!
Psst! In case you missed our previous editions here’s what to wear on a boat and what to wear to the Derby!

If you’re a girly girl, you’ll love this look.

It’s all about being soft, elegant and feminine but with a little bit of the quirky. Opt for muted colours, and floral prints. Play naughty with your accessories and shoes. It’s a fresh way of looking cute without looking like a soft toy!

If you like to rock it out in you’re spare time

…and you’re idols are AC/DC and Queen, this is no doubt a look you’ll love. Think grunge and edgy when choosing dresses or accessories. I like to find pieces which are conventional but have a rocker twist, like a LBD with some great leather panels for example. Also, if you really are a wild child, why not try out some uber cool leggings in lace for example.

This look is for the inner Bollywood diva we all have in us.

We’ve all fantasized about being a big star at some stage. try to play up that feeling but in a contemporary new way. Wear an old ghagara skirt with a simple white tee for example. or wear all one colour and accessorize with traditional Indian jewellery!  It’s really up to you to mix and match your western clothes with your Indian wear.

By Sue Castellino for MissMalini