Suiting Up ... Or Not

Fortunately, women’s “professional” attire is no longer limited to boxy, male-inspired, business suits. There are a variety of flattering women’s suits available, but you may have to spend extra time locating them (or visiting a good tailor). Look for designs that follow the curves of your body. The suit should be fitted in the waist rather than forming a straight line from shoulder to hips. It’s surprising how few of the major retailers get it right.

My personal favorite option, which didn't used to be universally accepted, is the “work” dress. In reality, most dresses can transition into this role as long as they’re close to knee-length. The neck can be open but shouldn’t be too revealing. Like all good dress designs, the work dress should be fitted to move with you naturally. In the summer, a great option is a sleeveless dress paired with a matching jacket - giving you the option to head out comfortably after work.

Even better, today’s business attire is not bound by traditional black and gray. I love incorporating violets, blues and greens (like the dress pictured above). White is always fun in the summer and cream is a great alternative in winter. It’s amazing how liberating it is when your work wardrobe doesn’t look (or feel) like a uniform.

Monika Roy Style Influence: Zoe Saldana

For those who have not yet heard of Zoe Saldana you may recognize her from her starring role in Avatar this season (which is a fun movie if you haven’t seen it). Zoe always looks polished and beautiful whether she is wearing jeans or a distinctive dress.

She is fearless when it comes to wearing colors and rich fabrics. She has a unique ability to wear almost any dress style/color and always looks extraordinary. 

A Non-Natural Product Worth the Splurge

I primarily use (and recommend) natural and/or organic products, but since it isn’t practical 100% of the time I try to follow the 80/20 rule – although my actual ratio is probably closer to 95/5. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is one of the products that falls into my 20% (or 5%) and I’m confident that it’s worth it.

Phloretin CF has made the most improvement in my skin tone of any product I’ve tried. What I love most about SkinCeutical products is that they're designed to not only slow the aging process but also to improve skin damage after it has occurred.

This product is great for combination complexions and your skin feels amazing as soon as it’s applied. Four to five drops in the morning is all you need and it lasts all day. Use Phloretin CF just after showering and before applying moisturizers or makeup.

Places We Love: WFLP

As my husband and I headed to his alma mater a couple of years ago to watch a college basketball game he turned to me and said "we're headed to the promised land” (there was no religious connotation – he was trying to be humorous). I knew he was a little crazy about college basketball, but I wondered how anyone could feel so strongly about such a random place. Since I wasn’t a fan, I felt pretty disconnected. After experiencing the energy in the stadium and witnessing his excitement, I began to understand where he was coming from. Still, I wanted to experience those emotions for a place that was special to me.

This year I found that place. I’m genuinely excited every time I walk in and smell the aroma of fresh organic produce mixed with the earthy scent of coffee and natural sundries. That place is the new Whole Foods in Lincoln Park (or WFLP). I know … Whole Foods? Get out much? However, this is not your average Whole Foods. It’s a monster, three story Whole Foods – closer to the size of an Ikea than a grocery store.

The Lincoln Park Whole Foods popped up earlier this year in a formerly industrial no-man’s land, directly across from a strip-club (whose business may have declined since WF placed its checkout lines directly across from its front door). It’s the third largest Whole Foods in the world behind the Kensington, London and Austin flagship locations. In addition to aisles and aisles of fresh food and an amazing premium body-care section there is a beer garden, wine bar, taqueria, pizzeria, sandwich shop, diner, gelateria, cookie bar, coffee shop, barbeque stand, Asian noodle/sushi bar and bakery.

I'm pretty sure I know what my husband was talking about now.

Chicago's Newest Landmark

Things We Love: Leggings

I have to admit, there are times when I don’t feel like wearing a dress. Even if those times are relatively rare, when I do wear something else I often choose leggings. Leggings are one of the rare articles of clothing that are super comfortable and stylish. You can easily pair them with a tank, chunky sweater or casual Tee – it all looks great.  A personal favorite: pair leggings with knee-high boots (heeled or flat) in the winter.

Leggings offer one of the best ratios of fashion-forwardness to minimal effort in women's clothing. Not to mention, how often is a super-stylish staple so inexpensive? Black leggings are a must-have, but if you’re wearing them frequently, gray and brown are good options. Or, if you're cute enough to pull it off, go all out...

Effortlessly Chic

Overdressing (or Just Dressing for Some)

I don’t need to tell anyone who knows me where I fall within the spectrum of underdressed to overdressed. For instance, I didn’t own a pair of jeans until after I finished college. Before visiting my husband’s family at their home in New Mexico for the first time I purchased a “low key” wardrobe in an attempt to blend in. My husband and I still laugh about the morning he picked me up at the airport and barely recognized me in my faux-shearling jacket and uncomfortable jeans (still wearing high-heeled boots, of course … you can’t give up everything). Simply put, it was not “me.” It was one of the few times in my adult life that I tried to conform to what I thought someone else might like. Fortunately, his wonderful family accepted the overdressed me and it didn’t take long (later the same day) for me to return to my preferred style.

An overdresser from an early age

The fact is, it shouldn’t matter if you’re overdressed or underdressed as long as you are dressing for the person that matters most … YOU!! It’s important to find and stay true to your personal style and be comfortable no matter what the scenario.

Thumbs Up to the Cold Shoulder

One of my absolute favorite dress styles (and a soon-to-be Monika Roy staple) is the one-shoulder dress.

If you’re not quite in the mood for the strapless look and you’re ready to move beyond cap sleeves, a one-shoulder design is the answer. The one-shoulder look is confident and sexy. It’s also a great option for cooler weather since it’s slightly less revealing than a strapless dress and still makes a bold statement.

When wearing a one shoulder dress it’s best to reduce jewelry to earrings (chandeliers work great with this look), a bracelet or nothing at all. Necklaces obstruct the fundamental form of the look. Wearing your hair pulled-back looks great with a one-shoulder and emphasizes your neck and shoulders.

Being Fit: Always in Fashion

It’s easier to feel great about what you’re wearing when you’re confident about the shape you’re in.  With all of the exercise options available, it’s difficult to choose an optimal routine and stick to it.  The question is, should you try a little of everything or choose one approach and be consistent? 

There’s obviously not an approach that works for everyone. One of my favorites is Pilates, which is an excellent way to strengthen and tone your core - an area that’s challenging for most of us to impact.  It also improves posture, back strength, flexibility and overall muscle tone.   There are various types of Pilates, including reformer classes (using a machine), Piloga (mix of Pilates and yoga on a ball) and the standard Mat Pilates class.

Yoga is another great way to stretch and tone your muscles.  Yoga focuses on making a connection between your body and mind and can help clear your head and recharge your spirit.  There are also a number of varieties of yoga.  My personal favorite is Bikram, which is performed in a 105 degree room.  It sounds crazy, but all of the sweating cleanses your body and leaves you feeling refreshed – at least once you cool down.

The best thing about Pilates and Yoga is that they are life-long fitness routines.  Unlike higher impact exercises, that may damage your body in the long run, they improve your body over time.

What’s your favorite routine?

Time to Lash Out?

In the past few years it seems like more women are focusing their attention (and money) on their eyelashes.  There are now a multitude of options to quickly add dramatic length to your lashes. Eyelash extensions are a fun and easy way to finish your look.

The simplest method is going to the nearest drug store and purchasing a widely available brand, like Andrea. You simply add a little eyelash adhesive and apply with your finger or tweezers.  The next step up is an eyelash strip, which adds slightly more drama and is great for formal occasions where you’d like to stand out.  Strips are trickier to apply, so I’d recommend stopping by a makeup counter, like Mac, where they have a great assortment of strips and can either apply them or show you how to do it yourself.  The trick with the strip is that it usually needs to be cut down to fit your eye.  My personal favorite is Mac's Half Lash.

Eyelash extensions are the most time consuming option, but last several months and typically look very natural.  And then there’s the newest option on the market, an eye drop called Latisse which has been proven to grow eyelashes.  Time will tell if this becomes a popular alternative.   For now, I'm sticking to individual lashes or strips so I can remove them at night and rest my eyes.  And there are the rare occasions where you don’t want to stand out, right?  Maybe not.

A Pioneering Fashion Company

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When my parents would get ready to go out for an evening my dad would get ready as quickly as possible and then watch TV while my mom primped until it was time to leave. Like many dads, mine didn't give much consideration to his wardrobe and wore pretty much whatever my mom selected for him (which worked out well for him).

For many men today (including dads) that scenario has changed. Men now generally spend a lot more time and money on their look ... searching for a balance of style and comfort. Bonobos is a perfect example of the positive trends in men's fashion: their clothes are stylish, designed for the physiques of real guys, and affordable. Your significant other no longer needs to save his one pair of nice trousers for special occasions. He can look stylish every day in a variety of styles from this great new clothing company.

A New Source of Inspiration?

I recently ran across an article discussing an interesting shift in where women look for fashion inspiration.  Traditionally, magazines like Vogue and W introduced (and often dictated) the latest trends in women’s fashion.  Fashion magazines are now experiencing the pain felt by most print media, but there is another shift occurring as well.  Today, many women are looking first to the pages and websites of magazines like People and US to learn about the latest trends and labels.

While runway fashions are still governed by the major design houses, many women now receive their inspiration from paparazzi photos of Sienna Miller, Nicole Richie, Jennifer Aniston and other pop icons. Celebrities have undeniably always influenced fashion but, even so, fashion magazines are losing their position as the go-to resource.

In addition to looking to new sources of inspiration, today’s fashionable women are more interested in wearing what looks flattering on them rather than solely making a high-end fashion statement.  The most popular designers are often rewarded for finding the intersection of high-end looks and designs women are actually comfortable wearing.

Don't Put the Dresses Away

Summer always seems to end so much sooner than you expect ... especially in Chicago. It doesn’t help when you’re bombarded with ads for back-to-school and Fall clothing when it’s still 80 plus degrees outside. Perusing boutiques and department stores makes you feel like it’s already November with jeans, sweaters and winter boots dominating the displays. Even if you're not excited about the cooler weather, it’s fun to pull out warmer clothes for the upcoming winter season. But it doesn’t mean it’s time to pack away your dresses.

Dresses can (and should) be worn year round. And even though not all dresses can make the seasonal transition, many can. There are so many fantastic options (leggings, tights and boots) to pair with dresses that can extend them well into Fall and winter. Even without the addition of warmer accessories, many cocktail dresses make a nearly seamless transition from warm to cool.

One of the benefits of living in a city with four seasons is the fun you can have mixing up your wardrobe. Just don’t feel like you have to hide behind big, bulky clothes throughout the winter (even in Chicago). You can still be stylish and sleek in a dress … at least beneath your winter coat.

Strapless Statutes

One of my favorite trends in fashion right now is the return of the classic strapless dress. Strapless dresses are no longer reserved only for formal events, but are now appropriate for a cocktail with friends or even a semi-casual lunch. What’s most fun about the new stance on strapless designs is the freedom you have to dress them up or down, depending on your plans.

When choosing a strapless outfit, there are some helpful guidelines that can make you more comfortable. For starters, if you decide to wear a strapless dress during the daytime, it’s a good idea to select a shoe that’s a bit more muted than you might choose for the evening. You can absolutely still wear cute heels, but it’s best to avoid anything too strappy or wild. You can wear heels that are low or high, depending on your preference, but nothing with a platform or anything that wraps around the ankle, e.g. too strappy. You should reserve your more pronounced shoes for the evening. (In full disclosure, I wear a 3-4 inch heel for most occasions). Shoes are primarily what transform the strapless dress from day to evening, with some persuasion from belts and jewelry as well.

When it comes to jewelry, the daytime-strapless look is best pulled off with simple (and few) pieces. Chandelier earrings are a great addition to the evening-strapless look and a necklace always tops off a more formal look. Finally, it’s advisable to avoid designs that are too clingy/tight for the daytime-strapless look as well. Those designs can definitely be saved for the evening.

So while summer is still here dress it up for a night, or for a day, and go strapless.

Skip the Line, Eat Better at Home

I used to eat out much more frequently, especially breakfast on the weekends.  I finally realized how much better I feel when cooking at home with fresher, lighter ingredients.Not to mention, it's nice to avoid the ridiculous waits at popular breakfast spots. My mom and my massis (a recurring topic on my blog) are emphatic about cooking healthy, and delicious, food for our family. As my personal habits have shifted, I’m spending more money at the grocery store but much less overall.  That’s not to say I don’t enjoy eating out occasionally, but it’s amazing how once you break the routine you really don’t miss it. More than that, you realize how much better you feel when you control all of the ingredients in your meals.

Here is an easy organic recipe that is one of my favorites for a weekend breakfast. It’s not mandatory to use all organic ingredients, but you really will notice a difference in freshness and taste if you can.

Organic Omelettas: (for two)

Ingredients: organic eggs (6) - Use one whole egg and two egg whites for each omelette

· 1/4 Cup organic, mild cheddar (you’ll definitely notice a taste difference with organic cheese, which I highly recommend)
· ¼ Organic sweet yellow onion chopped into small pieces
· ¼ Organic fresh cilantro
· Black pepper to taste

Over a medium pan heated with 1 tbs organic cold-pressed olive oil crack/add one whole egg and two egg whites. Use a wire whisk to whip it together in the pan. As it begins to thicken add half of the diced organic onion and half of the cilantro. Add black pepper and half the organic, mild cheddar. Slowly fold over the sides of the omelettes and flip once so that you cook both sides. When cooked thoroughly, flip onto a plate and repeat steps for the second omelette. You can also use all egg whites (in that case, use 4 egg whites) or all whole eggs (in that case, use 2 eggs).

Serve with whole grain toast (Rudi’s Organic is very good)

You can also serve these with my mom’s easy potato side …

Usha’s Breakfast Potatoes: (for two)

· One organic russet potato
· Olive oil
· Butter
· Salt /pepper

1. Thoroughly clean potato
2. Pierce with fork 5 or six times and place in microwave for 4 ½ minutes
3. Once potato is soft, let it cool for a few minutes
4. Cut into 8 to 10 circular potato pieces
5. Heat up a skillet with 1 tsp olive oil place potato pieces on top and brush with another 2 tbs olive oil on both sides
6. Add salt and pepper to taste
7. Add 2 tbs butter and place that in small chunks over the potatoes
8. Cook by flipping a few times until golden brown on both sides. Serve with omelletas

Enjoy!! I'll follow up soon with simple, natural recipes for your complexion.

Looking Good (on the inside)

As we race to keep up with family, friends and work some of our basic needs often get pushed to the bottom of our to-do lists. Many women consider their physical appearance a top priority, directly behind these relationships. And while some spend more time and money on their appearance than others, it always seems to take more energy than you expect. For instance, it’s common for many of us to spend weeks shopping for the right look for a special occasion. Yet, one of the fundamental needs we sometimes dedicate less time and energy towards is arguably the one that impacts us most directly … the food we eat.

Many women (myself included) might say, “That’s not true … I watch what I eat. I’m very conscious about my choices.” I watched a powerful movie/documentary last night called Food, Inc. that challenges our paradigm of what’s truly healthy food and motivates us to ask: Where does our food actually come from? According to the movie, “the way we eat has changed more in the last fifty years than in the previous 10,000.”



I’m not suggesting that everyone should eat strictly organic food. Beyond the increased expense, there isn’t consensus that all organic food is more nutritious or safe than other food. Still, I highly recommend that everyone watches this movie. If nothing else, it can definitely help us make more informed choices about what we eat. Not to mention, it’s easier to feel great about how we look on the outside if we’re first taking care of ourselves on the inside.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about the movie/topic …

Am I Missing Something?

During my past few visits to boutiques in New York and Chicago, a strange thing has happened. There wasn’t really anything to buy. In the literal sense, there was plenty for sale. But it seems that many boutiques, even at the high-end, aren’t carrying items all that distinctive from the department stores. Looking at the window displays on Oak Street or in Soho, I can’t help but wonder if I would even notice the same clothing if it were hanging on the rack at a discount store. There are some cute items available, but the majority isn't very exciting. At the same time, I’m increasingly finding items I love at some of the much less expensive retailers, like Akira and even American Apparel. The clothing at these stores is by no means a replacement for high fashion, which can be inspirational; with people drawn to the uniqueness and exclusivity. On the other hand, if you can purchase short-term alternatives at a fraction of the cost, why wouldn't you? Lower sales at boutiques are obviously related to the down economy, but there also seems to be a shortage of great options.

In my opinion, there are definitely items that are worth spending more on. Jackets, dresses and nice winter boots all fall in that category. Nice workout clothes can also be worth the extra money. If I know I will wear something for two or more seasons, I tend to make an investment in quality. What I won’t pay a lot of money for are tops, which are especially seasonal. For the most part, I also spend less on shoes. I understand the argument for investing in quality shoes but, regardless of the cost, my shoes always seem to last the same amount of time. Plus, there are lots of terrific low-cost shoe options that are as fashionable as higher-end brands.

In the past, while shopping at boutiques, I have sometimes forgotten to ask myself two simple questions: “Does this actually look cute?” and “Is it worth it?” Sometimes, the answer is yes.

Compelling Colors

Wearing bold colors can significantly impact your style and your mood. One of the greatest inspirations for Monika Roy dresses is the color palate of India. The richness of Indian fabrics and the beautiful colors remind of being younger and looking through my mother’s sarees or eagerly exploring Devon Avenue shops. Originating from exotic flowers and plants, the striking Indian color palate always lifts my spirits.

Gray and black, while subdued, can also be powerful colors. I enjoy mixing colorful accessories with darker colors. But left alone, darker colors can seem almost uniform-like. Black and gray absolutely have their place, and everyone has their favorite black dress. However, brighter colors (in the right hues) are less expected and make for exciting diversions. Venturing into beautiful blues, pinks, oranges and yellows (one of my favorites) allows you the opportunity to feel a little more unique and in touch with nature.

Lasting Beauty

My parents recently gave me an assortment of photos that I haven’t seen in years. I love seeing the pictures of the dresses that my mom made for me when I was young. My mom was my first “seamstress” and made most of the clothing I wore as a child. While my mom and my massis (aunts in Hindi) introduced me to fashion, they also taught me much more important aspects of beauty. In particular, that while wearing beautiful clothes can make you feel great, lasting beauty begins with taking excellent care of yourself.

I have always wanted to compile the advice these five beautiful women have given me over the years. They have all kept themselves looking young and beautiful. And although they have made it look effortless, I know they have worked very hard over the years to sustain their beauty. I admire how much fun they have managed to have in the process.

As children, we take flawless skin and perfect physiques for granted. From a very young age I remember my mom and her sisters reiterating the importance of taking meticulous care of yourself in order to maintain these qualities. While there are many wonderful products available to help women preserve their beauty, my mom and her sisters have gathered and perfected a multitude of inexpensive techniques that can be created at home to keep you looking and feeling great.

Since the Monika Roy brand is all about natural beauty, I want to begin sharing some of the anti-aging and health tips that I have learned from my mom and her sisters over the years. This week’s suggestion is for a Vitamin C cream alternative:

Rather than spending a lot of money on expensive vitamin C creams, choose organic. My mom and her sisters rub orange peels directly on their faces, which is refreshing and surprisingly effective. You can also use fresh squeezed orange juice or grapefruit juice diluted in water and splash it directly on your face. This is a great way to exfoliate and can optimally be applied twice a week.

Accessorize

I love a beautiful necklace or a new pair of earrings as much as anyone. I also own my fair share of shoes. However, I have always believed that outfits should not be designed around accessories. Don’t get me wrong, accessories can complete a look. But the garments you wear should have the capacity to stand alone without the need for accessories. For example, I do not think an outfit should ever revolve around a pair of shoes. Rather, when people look at you they are viewing the entire package. From a distance (and often up close) it is nearly impossible to tell if your shoes cost $100 or $1,000. What is apparent at first glance is the quality of the fabric you are wearing and the way it forms a silhouette.

When best utilized, accessories alter the mood of an outfit. An addition or substitute of the right accessory can transform your ensemble from day to night. Accessories can convert a tunic dress into formal attire or a cocktail dress into a more casual dress that is suitable to wear to lunch.

One of my favorite, and most functional, accessories is the belt. You only need a couple of belts to accessorize the majority of your wardrobe. A wide black belt and a lighter brown or taupe belt cover a range of styles. It is fun to dig into the back of your closet and try belts on with some of the dresses that you haven't worn in a long time. A belt can quickly modernize a dress and flatter your figure. Best of all, a belt compliments rather than dominates your outfit.

I am in full support of beautiful accessories. I just prefer that the garment is the centerpiece of my look.

The Anti-Trend

Keeping pace with women's fashion is challenging. Some years it is wide-legged pants, tight to the knee and flared at the ankle. Other years it is straight leg, painted-on jeans. There are the colorful tops and (increasingly vintage) sunglasses, earrings and bracelets - all constantly evolving to the point you begin to feel that your wardrobe and accessories require an annual overhaul. While it's fun to experiment with new looks to see what feels best, you know that most of this year's coveted pieces will not see the light of next year.

There is one major exception to this rule: the classic dress. This is the wardrobe staple in which basic rules always apply, regardless of the year or season. The most beautiful dresses are timeless ... elements of your wardrobe that you can wear year after year. You have the option of adding a new belt or necklace, but the structure of a great dress never goes out of style. You can select a classic dress based on its clean lines, which flatter your figure and inspire you to look beautiful. A dress can be the easiest part of your wardrobe; an item you can turn to at the last minute - dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

While pondering the latest trends, remember that a dress is the only item in your wardrobe that can be considered an investment. As you stand in your favorite store, deciding which of the latest fashions to adopt, follow your instincts to the dress that caught your eye. Chances are, there will be opportunities to wear it five years from now and it will still make you feel great.

For the love of the dress

For as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with dresses. When I was young my mom sewed all of my clothes and outfitted me in the beautiful dresses she made. Growing up, while others were more comfortable in pants, I gravitated towards dresses at almost every occasion. In college, I was forced to shop for pants on the rare occasions I couldn't wear a dress. While some of my friends were stressed when they had to dress up, I was stressed when I attended events that required dressing down.

There is something about wearing the right dress that can lift your mood and change the tone of your day. As I look back to certain milestones in my life I often think of them in terms of a dress I wore. Each dress triggers a memory and tells its own story. The first dance I attended: a bright red, knee length dress. My first date: a flowery dress that flowed to the floor. The prom: a black, embroidered dress with matching elbow length gloves. I have saved a number of my all time favorite dresses and given away many others. There are a few I have continued to wear year after year ... like good friends, I have always been able to rely on them. Timeless and classic, they have never let me down.

First Photo Shoot

We're excited to post samples from the first Monika Roy photo shoot!  See the sample pictures in top right corner of the blog.

Monika Roy Coming to Select Botiques

Monika Roy is currently speaking with boutiques in New York and Chicago. Stay posted for information on where to locate the Monika Roy line. Initial designs include Indian raw-silk tunic and cocktail dresses. Also in production: eyelet-cotton tunics and jersey-knit, strapless designs.

Photos coming soon ...

Monika Roy

Monika Roy is the result of years of fascination with flattering dresses and beautiful fabrics inspired by an Indian and American upbringing. I have a life-long passion for classic, clean designs and am thrilled to share my love of fashion and vibrant fabrics.