How to look fashionable without putting your wallet at risk!

By Amana Iflal.

With everything that’s going on around us, clothes are the last things on our minds. Clothes are getting more and more expensive with the rising inflation and we need to find alternative methods of looking chic and well put together at all times. I’ve compiled a list of ways one can still be on trend while also minimizing the risk of overspending at clothing stores.

P.S.- these tips are from personal experience!

Thrifting 

Second hand thrifted clothes are just as good as new items. Don’t be afraid to take a look around your community for hidden gems that could make great additions to your wardrobe without breaking the bank! Remember: quality over quantity is key when it comes to getting dressed in the morning since looking stylish can cost very little money if you know where and how to shop. There are numerous thrift shops – online and otherwise, around Sri Lanka that offer a massive selection of clothes to wear. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece worth wearing! There is no harm in trying out something new as long as it reflects your sense of style regardless of what others may think since this could help us stay on trend even if our budget is limited. Remember that one man’s trash is another man’s gold. 

Invest In Quality Pieces
Look for pieces of clothing that are durable for long periods of time and items that will withstand the weather. While this may cost a little more money up-front, it will save you from having to replace items frequently due to poor craftsmanship and low-quality materials. Investing in fewer but high-quality pieces also allows for better accessorizing opportunities! You can still find quality pieces on a budget if you do some digging. In addition to investing in higher-quality items from the start, you’ll also want to invest your time into learning how clothes should fit on your body type. If you know what you’re looking for, you’ll spend less time looking for things that suit you. 

Buy items such as denim dungarees or denim skirts that you can style with a different kind of top every time you wear it.

Mix and Match what you already own

Have a few pieces that you can mix and match. A white shirt, a pair of good jeans, find clothes that go well together and don’t be afraid to try new combinations. Get creative with your footwear as well because a casual outfit can be elevated to a formal outfit just by changing the footwear and accessories. Restyle existing looks that you have by changing accessories. If the weather permits, layer your clothes so that you can have dual looks just by choosing to add or not add a layer of clothing.

Look out for sales

Avurudu, Christmas and Ramadan are my favorite times of the year because of all the sales that go on! This is the best time for a money savvy individual to stock up on some quality pieces of clothing. You’ll be surprised by how much money you could save simply by shopping around during different times of the year. So remember: take advantage of all those holiday sales. If something you like is on sale, GET YOUR HANDS ON IT!

Invest in accessories

Accessories have the ability of taking an outfit from 0-10. Invest in some signature pieces that you can wear with lots of outfits. Look for accessories when you’re thrifting or at second hand stores. Try and interweave ethnic jewelry into your everyday clothing just to add an extra dimension to your outfit.

Refresh your wardrobe

Donate pieces that you don’t need anymore to second hand stores. Keep refreshing your wardrobe every 3 months so that it doesn’t become stagnant and filled with pieces that you don’t wear anymore.

Amana Iflal is ChoKoLAATes very own Editor and Executive Projects and Events.She’s currently studying for her Bachelor of Law (LLB) at the University of London and hopes to become the sassiest lawyer! When she’s free she likes to read, paint or binge watch her comfort shows (Derry Girls and Bridgerton). She also considers herself an ‘anxiety driven perfectionist’.  Follow her on Instagram (@amanawiflal) and Twitter (@AmanaIflal) if you don’t mind random content on your feed/TL. 

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Style Story ft. Chanika Jayatilleke

Always immaculately dressed at all times, Chanika Jayatileke is an avid lover of fashion and all things style-related. She is the Creative director and founder of clothing label Raaya and stationery brand Studio XO. She is the designer of the Indo-Western brand Leila, and loves supporting and shopping with local businesses. Find her on TikTok for all the laughs and a glimpse into the nutty side of her personality. This is her Style Story!

By Amana Iflal

1. Favorite go-to local brands. 

PR, Anuk, Maus, Shay Int, TDC

2. What are your jewelry and accessory preferences? 

For jewelry I like either super minimal, delicate pieces or heavy worked ethnic jewelry. There’s no in between! As for accessories, I’ll always adore classics. Love local jewelry brands like Halo, and Stoned mixed with international brands such as Missoma, Terinas and Amarapali! 

3. What are your shoe preferences? 

I’m as tall as a coconut tree, so I’ve always opted for flats. I always choose comfort over fashion for this one! Slides, pointy pumps and canvas plimsolls are my go to!

4.  What are your bag preferences? 

Love a woven local tote bag for daytime or a cane basket bag for the beach! I also like investing in high-quality versatile classic bags that have the ability to transform any outfit.

5. Favorite makeup brands and tell me ONE thing that you absolutely have to use makeup wise. 

Oh boy! Okay here goes. Estee Lauder, Fenty beauty, Becca, Sephora ‘s own brand, Makeup Forever and MAC. One product I absolutely cannot do without is concealer.

6. Patterns or Block colors? 

Block colors for sure!

7. Favorite online stores to shop at.

Asos, Cultbeauty, Newlook

8. Your favorite International Brands 

I love High Street fashion. My favorite international high street labels are Zara, & other stories and previously, Topshop.

9. How would you describe your fashion sense? 

My style is high Street casual and luxe with a mix of classic accessories.

10. Tips and Tricks when it comes to matching and styling yourself. 

Always understand your body style and highlight the areas that are most flattering and what you feel most confident about, while concealing others. I personally like to avoid using horizontal stripes and for day to day dressing, keep in mind that comfort is key. Comfort makes you feel at ease and thereby allows you to be more confident! Style is something personal so what works for your bestie may not work for you.

Amana Iflal is ChoKoLAATes very own Editor and Executive Projects and Events. She’s currently studying for her Bachelor of Law (LLB) at the University of London and hopes to become the sassiest lawyer! When she’s free she likes to read, paint or binge watch her comfort shows (Derry Girls and Bridgerton). She also considers herself an ‘anxiety driven perfectionist’.  Follow her on Instagram (@amanawiflal) and Twitter (@AmanaIflal) if you don’t mind random content on your feed/TL. 

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By Thamali Wijekoon

‘Dress Your Face’ by Vinu

We spoke to Vinu Dassanayake about her venture ‘Dress Your Face by Vinu’ for the Glam Attack column this time. Check out her makeup secrets here! 

1. How did you become a makeup artist and why?

My first step into this industry was when I finished my Bachelors in Fashion Designing at the academy of design (AOD). It was during this time that I got the chance to work on a model for makeup.

I was very fond of painting even when I was young, and the exposure to the fashion industry sort of charged my artistic side. Once I got my first taste of makeup in the professional world, I started committing to it.

2. What’s the identity of your brand ‘Dress Your Face by Vinu’? 

My brand identity, in the simplest form is to “dress your face up” and I believe that it has reached quite an audience so far.

3. Do you only do bridal makeup, and if so, why do you specialize in it? 

Bridal makeup is not something you wear on a daily basis. It’s time consuming and very challenging. You need to have a lot of patience to work on a face; you need to hear out all their concerns, enhance their features and make them look extraordinary on their wedding day. It requires a lot of consultations, meetings, discussions, skin preparations, and mental stability to get there. I learn something new every day and that’s my favourite part. 

4. What factors do you take into account when deciding a makeup look for a bride? 

The never-ending boundless options! It’s endless. I love creating looks for brides. When I’m deciding on a look for a bride, it has to be a look that compliments their features and brings out their personality. Face shape, and most importantly skin texture and eye shape, play a major role. 

5. What are your favourite products and brands to use?

My favourite products to use are Charlotte Tibury, Nars colour correctors, foundations, Natasha Denona, Makeup by Mario and Pat McGrath labs, insanely pigmented eye palettes, Dior palettes, and Fenty Beauty gloss bombs – beyond stunning!

All these brands give such a natural finish. The outlook is simple yet so stunning and elegant. I would like to say apart from makeup, skin care is super important. Only if you take care of your skin by hydrating and maintaining a skin care routine will your makeup look flawless. Skin is KEY for a flawless makeup look.

6. What are the challenges that you face in this field and how do you cope with them? 

The biggest issue I have faced in the field is getting down authentic products as we don’t have many sources in Sri Lanka. Due to COVID-19 and the current ongoing situation in Sri Lanka, we makeup artists are finding it hard to get down authentic products. Even then, I try my best to find some way to get it down within a limited amount of time as we need to restock frequently.

8. How can someone make an appointment with you or contact you? 

To make an appointment, you can contact me via Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and email.

Instragram: dressyourface_byvinu
Facebook: dressyourfacebyvinu
Phone number: 0777112149

Email: artistrybyvinu@gmail.com

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The Launch of Lolo and Lala – The Exclusive Wear Edit. 

By Amana Iflal 

I met up with Senuki Wijesundara, who is the creative director and founder of the luxury clothing brand Lolo and Lala at the launch of her newest collection, the Exclusive Wear Edit, which was held at The Design Collective Store on the 7th of May 2022. Senuki holds a Bachelor’s (Hons) in Fashion and Marketing from the Academy of Design (AOD).

Tell us a little about your brand. 

LOLO&LALA is a fashion, beauty and lifestyle brand. LOLO&LALA as a brand is based on quality and reliance, our products are curated via premium quality materials and the service provided through our e-commerce platform strives for continuous customer satisfaction. We are hoping to create a platform that allows generations worth of individuals to connect to their unique lifestyle trends. We aim to inspire and support designers worldwide by providing our e-commerce platform for them, to not only feature their products, but also allowing them to open up-to a niche market, unraveling opportunities for both business and consumers. It’s an exclusive luxury edit that can be worn as casual wear, loungewear and even as evening wear. The brand also leans towards resort wear as well. All of it is made out of pure Armani silk.

What kind of audience is this collection for? 

Everyone, we are a brand that caters to the community as a whole. We cater to any stereotype regardless of personal taste. 

I wouldn’t say there’s an audience here per se, It’s for anyone who feels comfortable in my designs! Kaftans are usually worn by older women but these days you see the younger generation sporting them as well! Also, it catered to those who like to don modest wear. 

Will we be seeing more of your designs? 

Yes of course! We’ll be restocking at the design collective store. 

Also we’re Currently working on our E-Commerce multi vendor platform. 

We want to provide a platform to consumers that gives them access to the lifestyle they desire. Our goal is to collaborate with other local brands & cater to everyone, offering an experience to elevate their lifestyle.

Instagram: @loloandlalaofficial 

Website: www.loloandlala.com

Amana Iflal is ChoKoLAATes very own Editor and Executive Projects and Events. She’s currently studying for her Bachelor of Law (LLB) at the University of London and hopes to become the sassiest lawyer! When she’s free she likes to read, paint or binge watch her comfort shows (Derry Girls and Bridgerton). She also considers herself an ‘anxiety driven perfectionist’. Follow her on Instagram (@amanawiflal) and Twitter (@AmanaIflal) if you don’t mind random content on your feed/TL.

The post The Launch of Lolo and Lala – The Exclusive Wear Edit.  appeared first on ChoKoLAAte Blog.

On this times Style Story I had the absolute pleasure of speaking to Zainab Faiza, who is more commonly known as QueenBae, about her fashion journey and getting a tiny sneak peek into HER Style Story! A well-known figure as a fashion and lifestyle influencer, Zainab has paved the way for many of us to feel comfortable in the clothes we wear! Here’s what she had to say! – Amana Iflal. 

How would you describe your sense of style? 

I’d say it’s very unique and based on my mood for the day! Lately I’ve been obsessed with comfort over anything – so I focus on pieces that are both timeless and comfortable. I don’t necessarily follow trends, because they always come and go. 

Who do you look up to when it comes to style inspiration? 

I don’t specifically look up to anyone when it comes to style – my mum has taught me how to mix and match pieces that can create multiple outfits instead of always buying new clothes so she’s definitely a style inspiration. I love following modest influencers like “WithLoveLeena” “RawDis” along with British influencers like “Mollymae” – I guess I take bits and pieces from anyone – not one person in specific!

Top 5 local brands? 

 Urban Island

  Cotton collection 

  Mimosa 

  Lovi Ceylon 

  Jezza 

Top 5 international brands? 

 Podur UK

 Haute Hijab 

  Dior

  Burberry 

  Nike 

What’s your go to shoe brand and do you prefer heels or flats? 

  I don’t really have a go to shoe brand but I’d say Kurt Geiger because they’ve got some amazing shoes – including fancy ones that aren’t heels. I’m more of a sneakers, boots and flats person. Heels are painful haha 

How do you accessorize? And what kind of accessories do you prefer? 

Lately I’ve been SUPER minimal with my accessories. Just arm candy with gold and silver bangles and cuffs that my friends and loved ones have gifted me. My engagement ring, a Pandora one along with one my mum gifted me! Apart from that it’s a Daniel Wellington watch I’ve been wearing since 2018! That’s about it! 

What kind of bag do you use on a daily basis, and what’s the one thing you MUST have in your bag at all times? 

It’s high time I invest in a new bag!!! But I just prefer my Michael Kors backpack because it’s super convenient when I travel abroad and far. Or else it’s my Guess red or my Aldo Brown side bag for everyday. I always carry; powerbank, headphones, lipstick, hand sanitizer, extra sanitary napkin, and my wallet!

What are your tips and tricks to looking good 24/7?

If you’re putting on a face of makeup, always wear sunscreen before you do and ALWAYS put on a final spritz of setting spray so you remain fresh!. Deodorant is your bestie, so make sure to always use it before you get ready. Carry a mini version of your favorite perfume and lipstick – helps you feel confident with a few sprays and reapplying your lipstick. Always feel confident in whatever you wear! You can make a rag look amazing if you’ve got the confidence 

What is the best advice you could give to a girl who wants to start her own hijabi fashion blog? 

Please stay true to yourself. Don’t falter to the expectations of what society wants. You’re unique on your own and that’s what’s going to get you far. Losing one’s identity is so common because we’re so busy trying to be someone else. Do what you love and work with what you already have – and let everything else unfold in due course! 

As a Hijabi, how do you promote your own sense of fashion in the ever evolving world of international fashion?  

Like I said, I don’t really stick to trends. The thing about trends is that it never lasts, it’s all part of fashion consumption and companies creating unrealistic wants by releasing new lines and “trends” every other day. Each time you fall for it, you’re spending money that makes massive corporations rich while those who actually make your clothes suffer in poverty with horrible wages, working conditions etc. sustainable fashion is more important and buying pieces that will last you and you can create multiple looks out of! I’m not saying don’t shop from fast fashion like H&M or Zara, believe me I love that and it’s mostly what I can afford – however it’s not about always buying pieces just to keep up with international fashion. Create your own statement style and you will be iconic! 

What are some of the top makeup brands you use?

  Dior Makeup 

  Givenchy Beauty 

 Urban Decay 

  Huda Beauty 

  Estée Lauder

The post STYLE STORY FT. ZAINAB FAIZAL appeared first on ChoKoLAAte Blog.

The Celtic festival Halloween is just three weeks away. With the travel restrictions just lifted, all functions have been limited, as we are still at risk of contracting the Corona virus. But this shouldn’t stop you from dressing up as any of your favourite monsters and ghouls. So throw on a cloak, get your fangs out and howl along to a classic horror gore fest. 

Here is a list of a variety of different halloween costumes you can cast at ease in the comfort of your own coven.  

The Trendy

1. Squid Game contestants or guards. 

The contestants 

One of the easiest costumes to DIY on is the pine-green tracksuit given to our favourite characters playing on the survival show, Squid Game. 

All you need is any hoodie or sweatsuit similar to the green shade the players are dressed in. Paint on the number you desire to the left (front) and the middle (back) of your hoodie, using white fabric paint. To add more detail to the costume, paint on white stripes to the sides of the hoodie and down the pants.

2. Among Us

Another extremely E.A.S.Y costume for you to design at home this Halloween are the avatars from Among Us. Take any colour hoodie or tracksuit you have available, a matching mask and a pair of impact goggles. And there you have it, an easy and inexpensive Halloween costume. 

3. Money Heist

Are you ready to execute the most significant heist of all time? If you are, get out a ruby red jumpsuit. Purchase a plain white costume mask and paint it to match your skin complexion. Draw the eerie face that embodies “resistance to capitalism” onto the painted mask using a thick permanent marker. You can use white paint or typex to colour in the inner eyes. Now  

4. Devi from Never Have I Ever 

In love with the Indian-American high school sophomore Devi’s wardrobe in Never Have I Ever? Well why not dress up as the protagonist of Netflix’s teen show this Halloween. 

Devi Vishwakuma’s wardrobe consists of youthful pieces ranging from shades of orange, yellow and green. She’s been spotted in a lot of floral summer dresses and a variety of coloured tees, sweaters and jeans. You can brush your hair out and either part it down the middle or the side. Layer on a few gold chains and style it with matching hoops. 

5. Sponge Bob from SpongeBob SquarePants 

Want to spend your Halloween, munching on burgers and fries at the Krusty Krab in Bikini Bottom? Don’t think twice, all you need to craft this extremely easy costume is a white shirt, red tye, a pair of brown shorts and a black belt. What better way to celebrate this year’s Halloween by feasting on Krabby patties.  

6. Selena Quintanilla

Dress up as the Queen of Tejano music herself this Halloween. To style your hair, curl it and brush it out, or simply let your natural curls down. Straighten out your bangs if you’ve got any and use bold red lipstick to capture her stricking beauty. Put on any colourful two piece set and flared high-waisted pants. Make sure you throw on matching dazzling bracelets and golden hoops, before you get on stage. 

7. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has produced many albums over the years, fashioning many fantastic looks. From her classic blonde lob and bright red lips to her cottage core aesthetic, the brilliant singer, song-writer’s latest re-recorded album Folklore is a masterpiece. 

And it isn’t that hard to recreate any of her classic looks. You’ll need to wear any white, off-white or beige dress or blouse and skirt. Curl and brush out a blonde wig you have with bangs. Braid it from the sides and it into two low bun. Tease the hair a bit to get her complete cottage core look. To add the finishing touch, crank up and float along to Willow. 

8. Olivia Rodrigo 

Obsessed with Sour? The incredibly talented singer Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour album cover can be your Halloween costume. Straighten and tie your hair in two loose braids. Brush it out after leaving it in overnight, and part it down the middle. Next throw on a lavender or white tank top and put on rose-pink shaded lipstick. Apply a shimmery llip gloss, and wear your favourite silver chains and coloured rings. To complete your vibrant look decorate your face with stickers. 

9. Pit Bull 

The immensely successful King of Latin hip hop and rap is definitely one of the best costumes listed here. To achieve his iconic look, use a bald cap or paint a swimming cap to match your skin complexion. Put on a pair of pants, tuck in any coloured shirt and button it half way up. Splash yourself with a few thick silver or gold chains and a watch to match. Finally all you need is a pair of sunglasses. 

10. Freddy Mercury 

The British singer, song-writer and lead vocalist of one of UK’s most marvelous rock bands of all time, Freddy Mercury can be your Halloween costume this year. Get out your skinniest pair of light-washed jeans, and throw on a white tank top. Stick some craft studs onto a black belt and another black strip (preferably leather). To complete his infamous Live Aid outfit, wear a pair of Adidas shoes or any other white or light grey sneakers you have available. 

11. Britney Spears

Another stylish and fashionable costume to DIY is any of the early 2000s superstar Britney Spears. 

You can either recreate Britney’s iconic look in her debut single Hit Me Baby One More Time or her 2001 red carpet all-denim couture. 

To recreate her outfit in the Hit Me Baby One More Time MV, you’ll need a white shirt, dark pink or magenta bra, black mini skirt and black knee length socks. Leave the shirt unbuttoned and tie it at the waist. Braid two braids and use pink hair ties to secure it. 

12. Nanno from Girl From Nowhere

To dress up as the mischievous and cunning Nanno, you’ll need a white shirt, black skirt, black socks, black shoes and a jet-black lob wig with bangs. You can paint on the desired school logo to the left pocket of the shirt and leave it tucked in with the black knee-length skirt. 

13. L from Death Note. 

Interested in solving the mysterious deaths occurring in Tokyo? 

All you’ll need is a white shirt and black pants. You can let your hair messily lay across your face, like the style the Jonas Brothers rocked during the 2000s. Colour around your eyes with black eyeliner to get L’s sleep deprived look of exhaustion.  

The Classics 

1. Ghost

This is definitely the simplest costume on the list to create at home. You can either cut two holes for eyes in a white sheet or wear any white or grey outfit. Puff on white powder and there you have it. A classic and easy Halloween costume. 

2. Vampire/Dracula 

One of the most respected and historical monsters to ever exist are the mysterious and seductive ghouls with a lust for blood. 

Throw on a freshly ironed white shirt and leave the collar up. You can add frills to the collar and the end of the sleeves to create further definition to the look. Pair it with a long black coat or oversized blazer and matching balck pants. 

You can then gel your hair back or let it fall freely. To get the sickly frail face of the monster, you’ll need to use white powder and then use eyeshadow and bold black eyeliner to pop out the eyes. And for the final touch, fix on a pair of fake fangs. 

3. Witch

Whether you choose to dress up as a cartoon witch; green skinned and a pointy hat, or a historical one; pale and dry hair. Get ready to cast a spell and lead your own coven? Dress up in a long black, brown or grey dress, skirt and blouse. Brush out and tease your hair after leaving it in braids overnight. Part your hair down the middle and go for a makeup look of any kind you desire. 

4. Chucky from Child’s Play 

Were you ever terrified by the psychotic killer doll Chucky as a child? Well now’s your chance to relive your nightmarish hell of a childhood by cosplaying as the infamous Charles Lee Ray possessed doll. Gather a pair of denim dungarees and a red, green, blue and white striped long-sleeved tee-shirt or sweater. To get Chucky’s tacky dungarees you’ll need to paint over buttons, stitches and shapes of your choice to the denim. 

Use vaseline or any other form of wax to brush and hold your eyebrows up. Colour your eyebrows in with orange to get Chucky’s burning ginger hair. You can use orange-coloured hair chalk or hair spray to temporarily dye your hair for the night. Take brown eyeliner or brown eyeshadow and shade it underneath your eyes and sketch on freckles onto your cheeks. 

use black and red face paint or makeup to draw on scratches and scrapes to the right side of your face, down the cheek and around the eye. To add that extra flare

.

5. Cat 

A purrfect costume for the soft hearted. All you need for this look is cat ears. And if you don’t already own a pair of cat ears, you can DIY your own at home. 

Cut a triangle on bristol board or craft fabric. Curve the edges to look like a cat’s ears. You can staple or stitch on additional white or pink fabric to the inside to add more definition. Glue this on to a black alice band. Paint on a cat’s nose and whiskers to your nose, using black eyeliner or black face paint. 

6. Nurse 

What better way to dress up for Halloween as a seductive nurse if you aren’t planning on celebrating the night as a monster. 

Grab any white A-line stitched dress, and use bristol board to craft over the structure of a hat you already own. Use white material to design the nurse haut, and add on a coloured hospital logo of your choice to the front. Collect the tools available in the doctor toy set to glam up your costume. 

7. Patrick Bateman from The American Psycho 

 Weren’t we all obsessed over the charming and menacingly handsome serial killer in The American Psycho? Well here’s your chance to dress up as Patrick Bateman this Halloween. 

All you need is a tux of any colour ranging from blue, grey or black, styled with a faded red tye. Gel your hair back and wear a transparent cover or raincoat over your outfit. 

8  Samara from The Ring 

Another classic horror flick from the early 2000s is The Ring. And if you’re looking forward to dressing up scary but also don’t want to spend too much time or money on a costume, the demon Samara is the ultimate choice of costume for you. 

Throw on any white dress you have lying around in your home, it doesn’t even have to be yours. Brush out and let your hair fall flatty against the front of your face, after wetting it. 

9. Marion Crane from Psycho

Get murdered in style by the insane Bates motel owner in Psycho, by dressing up as the beautiful and delicate Marion. Get out or borrow a well-fitted shirt and mid-calf length pleated A-line skirt. To achieve her 50s classic hairdo, curl your hair and place it in a low bun, with the curls brushed out to form waves structuring the face and head. Now get ready to run before the obsessive Norman attacks. 

10. Norman Bates from Psycho 

Tired and bored out of your mind by running a rundown motel in the middle of nowhere? 

Dressing up as this psychotic killer is another easy costume to craft at home. Feel free to wear anything ranging from shades of brown, grey or black in the fashion style of the 50s or 60s. Try not wear anything too extravagant and keep in mind Norman’s shy personality which is reflected in his style. 

11. Jack from The Shining 

Another classic and utterly effortless look to recreate is Jack from The Shining. Grab any dark checkered shirt, pair it with a deep red or brown jacket and denim jeans. Use makeup or face paint to add the details of Jack’s stress wrinkles and facial hair. Now thrown on a creepy smile and chase after your loved ones with an ax. 

12. Carrie White’s iconic pig blood prom dress from Carrie 

Let out your teenage angst or choose to relive those years, by celebrating your bloody prom for this Halloween. 

Get out a silk, spaghetti strap nightgown or dress of your choice and iron your hair to resemble the dead straight hair Carrie has. Finally flush down a bucket of fake blood down your body to get the disgustingly frightful look. 

13. Jennifer Check’s bloody, muddy prom gown from Jennifer’s body 

You can use any white dress or nightgown to recreate this classic piece. Stitch on and layer sheer white fabric around, over and under the dress to achieve Jennifer’s slightly puffed out and flowy gown. Use a thick black ribbon to attach as the bow to the upper waist of the dress and to the bottom of the dress. Wear white gloves or craft your own at home to complete the outfit. 

Gel your hair back and spray it down with hairspray. Finally you can copy Jennifer’s makeup look by using pretty pink lipstick and lipgloss. 

We hope you enjoy celebrating Halloween this year by creating these effortless horrifying and gruesome costumes at home. 

The post EASY Halloween Costumes you can craft at home appeared first on ChoKoLAAte Blog.

by Shamindri De Sayrah

The Met Gala, often known as the fashion world’s Oscar Night, usually falls on the first Monday of May. however after being cancelled completely in 2020 and being postponed this year, the star-studded night returned on the second Monday of September in 2021. This year’s theme was “American Independence”. The red carpet of the Met Gala was covered in Hollywood’s elite. From musicians, to actors, to designers. As always, showcasing the best the world of fashion has to offer, some going as over the top as they can, and some choosing to keep it simple.

The ones that caught my eye were not the huge over the top outfits, rather the simple, elegant looks that didn’t garner as much attention as they should have. These are 10 Met Gala outfits that prove the saying less is more true.

1) Regina King

CREDIT: DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES

Oscar and Emmy winner Regina Kings looking regal and absolutely golden in every way In Michael Kors.

2) Timothee Chalamet

The Oscar nominated actor struts his stuff on the Met Gala red carpet in an outfit by Haider Ackermann that is a mix of casual and formal and to top it off, Converse sneakers!

3) Keke Palmer

CREDIT: DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES

What’s that saying? You can never go wrong with a little black dress. And Disney star Keke Palmer proves that In Sergio Hudson.

4) Gigi Hadid

The stunning Gigi Hadid brings the elegance in Prada.

5) Simu Liu

EVAN AGOSTINI/INVISION/AP/SHUTTERSTOCK

Marvel star Simu Liu who recently dominated the box office wears FENDI Mens, looking elegant in a simple white and black suit.

6) Justin and Hailey Bieber

JOHN SHEARER/WIREIMAGE

The Bieber’s looking sharp in simple matching black outfits for their first Met Gala together.

7) Kate Hudson

THEO WARGO/GETTY IMAGES

Kate Hudson looked pretty in pink on the red carpet. The actress wore a pink sequin bra top, maxi skirt and floor-length feather coat from Michael Kors. She was also sporting a brand new engagement ring.

8) Kristen Stewart

We have been seeing some gorgeous looks from Kristen Stewart these past few weeks as she continues to promote Spencer, this one is no exception. Kristen went for a very feminine look channeling Barbie for her look from Chanel.

9) Cara Delevingne

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Cara Delevingne let her clothes do the talking with her outfit from Dior.

10) Kaia Gerber

Maybe it’s cause I’m bias because I love the color black or maybe it because Kaia Gerber looks absolutely stunning and princess like in this dress by Oscar de la Renta.

The post Hollywood Connection – Met Gala 2021 appeared first on ChoKoLAAte Blog.

The colors of the clothes you choose to wear have an effect on your brain. Psychological research identifies the various benefits of colors. Different colors and shades affect the development of the brain; creativity, productivity and learning. This is due to the energy the brain absorbs from the light produced by the color. 

Physiological responses to color 

An experiment was conducted in 1875, using colored glass, walls and furniture in various rooms. The colors of the rooms used in this experiment were red and blue. A male participant who had previously refused to consume any food, was placed in the red room. He developed the feeling of hunger and started to crave food after being placed in the room. A previously aggressive participant who was placed in the blue room, began to calm down within an hour. This experiment helped prove physiological arousal colors had on the brain. The color red was proven to increase one’s appetite and the color blue helped to soothe one’s mind and emotions.  

And in 1957, red was discovered to have a more stimulating effect on visual activity and autonomic nervous system functions in comparison to blue. The color was then used in hazardous road signs to gain attention and signal danger. 

In 1942 German neurologist and psychiatrist Kurt Goldstein carried out an experiment to study the positive and negative effects of color on the brain. He suggested that different physiological responses could be evoked by different colors. He identified that colors such as red, orange and yellow helped energize due to having longer wavelengths. Colors with shorter wavelengths such as green, blue and purple were found to help relax the brain. 

Psychologist Rikard Kuller demonstrated that colors affect the entire central nervous system as well. EEG and pulse measuring systems showed that men and women react differently to colors. The brain releases a hormone that controls emotions, energy levels as well as other cognitive functions. During the study conducted on men and women, it was proven that color had a strong influence on the emotional perception of objects and heart rate levels.

How can you influence your mood as well as the way in which others perceive you by the colors you choose to wear? 

RED, ORANGE and YELLOW

As mentioned already, warm colors such as red, orange and yellow provoke feelings of joyfulness, hope and confidence. These colors have also proven to make people more hungry as it has an effect of speeding up the levels of metabolism. 

BLUE and GREEN

Blue and green have proven to be soothing to the mind. This is the color many opt to wear to university and job interviews. Pastel shades and cooler tones are commonly used for children’s’ clothing items, products and room décor, since these colors have a sense of neutrality to them which creates a safe, peaceful and relaxing environment. 

PURPLE 

The color of wealth was reserved to only be worn by royals in the past. It carried a sense of sophistication and success. This fantastic color is the fusion of red and blue, allowing it to possess qualities of both warm and cool colors. Purple is therefore frequently used to greatly influence creativity. Different shades of purple affect the brain in different ways. Lighter shades of the color have proven to have similar effect as blue. And darker shades of purple have shown to induce feelings of sadness and irritability, with too much exposure to the color leading to bitterness, frustration and anger. 

WHITE

This color has repeatedly been used at weddings, hospitals, schools and funerals. White holds a sense of order and uniformity, which brings upon a sense of calmness, security and hope. 

BLACK

Black symbolizes power, luxury and elegance. And can be used as a method of elevating status and maintaining an image of professionalism. Black is equally daring and bold as it is simple and neutral, and can therefore appear as mysterious. 

In certain contexts and cultures the color black can also refer to mourning or sadness. But many cultures also strongly believe in black being the color of misfortune and sadness. It is used time and time again as a mourning color to wear at funerals. 

The clothes you wear daily have a strong influence on your moods as well as the way in which others perceive you. And the colors you choose to wear can create the desired image of yourself that you want, allowing you to either stand out or blend into a social setting.

By Kisavi Jayawardene

The post THE POWER OF COLORS appeared first on ChoKoLAAte Blog.

Your top skin care tips?

• Cleanse your face before you go to bed. especially if you’re wearing makeup. No matter how tired you are, trust me your skin will thank you.
• Exfoliate once in a while to get rid of the impurities that are deep into your skin.
• Use a good moisturizer. Investing in your skin is the best thing you could do. It also helps makeup to stay on for longer and look much better.
• Drink a decent amount of water and have fruits or vegetables that contain water

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