B for being: Essentials this summer

KATHMANDU, April 19: Feeling light and cool is this summer’s ultimate mantra. No matter what your mom told you about surviving the recession, it’s a must that you shed some of your winter wardrobe and accessories and head towards new light twenty-sixtysix. Summer is all about being oneself, practical and sweat-free. That is being cool. And here is our guide how you can be yourself this summer: [break]

Bags, but lighter:

Suddenly the attention goes to this big bulky leather bag, which leaves us sweaty and one of the shoulders almost paralyzed. So, what’s the replacement?

Totes-often known as big bags occupied the shoulders gone year. Girls of every age was sporting voluptuous square and rectangle shaped totes during the day hours. This year, bags made up of lighter canvases, rugs and cotton have hit the market. Different floral prints, sketches and tribal influence have added the extra coolness to those light bags.

And if you are a one-color person, plain bags of bright sunshine yellow, tangy orange are available in boutique shops. There are even fancy and branded shops selling the upscale version of those light summery items.

Bangles, but chunkier:

Wrists were covered throughout the winter. It’s time to accessorize those this summer. What else but bangles could beautify them?

Bangles are one of the most essential accessories in a girl’s lab. But we are not talking here about those regular small sized glass bangles. The chunkier ones with funky look are in and Basantapur night market provides your feeding hands. We even found some at those fancy shops around Durbar Marg and Kathmandu Mall.

Big chunk of wood or cuff-like metal bangles around your wrist with different nomadic feel and paisley prints are available in the store.

Remember, to opt the chunkier bangles is keeping every other accessory to the minimal.

Belts, accentuate your waists:

Who cared about waistlines during winters with all those long coats and sweaters covering it? Now it’s time to flatter those waistline that makes Kate Moss look fat.

Belts have emerged out of their stereotypes and are rechristened as a style statement, not just pant holders. These dull looking fashion accessories are found in bright and bold colors and skinny or superwide sizes. While dresses with belts have already been there throughout the winter, pair them up with big t-shirts and shirts this summer. Mix and match. It will help you revamp your old clothes that have been neglected for a long time in your closet.

Baggy trouser, go breathe:

Tight and skimpy pants are to be folded and stored in the deepest of your closet. Baggy pants made from light materials like cotton and linen are in market which are more appropriate for hot, humid and sweaty summer.

Aladdin trousers, one of those baggies, which are usually seen sported by foreigners are abundant in Thamel stores and fancy shops. Pair them up with tees or ganjis. Flat sandals and flip-flops compliment them.

Body Deos:

With summer we tend to sweat more. So, a quick spray of body deo before the interview or a date can be of help, if the natural body odor let us down. For most of us, body deos are our BFF. And summer season is not helping our body odor, especially with exasperating rise in the valley temperature.

But, few things are to be considered while choosing and using the body deodorants. Go for the ones with natural oils and plants extracts. Ingredients like triclosan, parabens should be avoided to reduce skin irritation. Try to avoid use of deos frequently under armpits as it blocks sweat glands further obstructing their natural physiology.

sumina@myrepublica.com