Manasi : An Art Aficionado

                          Recipe of Manasi Holehonnur's Image 

From our time spent together in Pune a decade back- Manasi’s image in my mind is that of a friend immersed in poetry called life; a young girl sitting under a blossomed Parijat tree writing beautiful verses. A student of Economics with a sparkle in her eyes and “Puneri” aura in her attitude. It was Manasi who introduced me to many melodious Southern Indian songs. 

 After staying in United States; this happily married conversationalist is now settled in “namma Bengaluru” and making her mark in creative writing.

As I and Manasi talk about her persona and “image”- Manasi is finest example of “authentic” appearance- be it a desi necklace or short dress,she picks up her clothing and accessories totally as per her mood and personal style! 

And you will see her face beaming while talking about her newly found love for graceful and exclusive saree collection.

Along with Pickle-Jar, Manasi has given an active contribution for curating Smita Patil Film Festival and Hrishikesh Mukherjee Film Festival this year in Bengaluru.

Reading , interpreting and experiencing culture, art and films is essence of being “Manasi”. Her favourite creations and writings include those of Akira Kurosava,Gauri Deshpande Kiran Nagarkar, Tukaram, Bahinabai Chaudhari and directorial works of Ingmar Burgman, Hrishikesh Mukharji.

Splendid Birthday wishes for this special friend in her all endeavors ❤

Passing on Heritage of Six yards (We call it Saree)

  

Indian woman's elegance is woven in the six yards of beauty called Saree. 

Draping a saree is an art into itself, which can transform the personality of the wearer from traditional to contemporary. Originated from the Sanskrit word "Sati" which means strip of cloth; a saree is traced back to Indus Valley Civilisation. 

Cotton was first cultivated and woven in Indian subcontinent around 5th millennium BC. Dyes used during this period are still in use, particularly indigo, lac, red madder and turmeric.Silk was woven around 2450 BC and 2000 BC. So interwoven is the saree with the life and traditions of the Indian people that each region of the country has developed a style of its own. 

A saree can be a perfect day wear, business wear, casual wear, evening wear, cocktail wear or bridal wear depending on the choice of fabric, colours, design, embellishments and the style of draping. Let's go through few interesting learning points about this "Vastram".

Choosing Appropriate Saree: As an Image Consultant, I strongly believe that our attire should be appropriate for the occasion and the surroundings including weather. Thus choose your saree based upon the colour, texture and fabric. Office wear sarees should be easy to manage and pleasant to the eyes. Also they should not cling to your body. 

On the other hand, a traditional occasion or festival is the best opportunity to flaunt the rich fabrics with decorative detailing.  

Basic elements of saree to be considered are Line and Shape: Silhouette of saree should compliment your body type and figure. 

Colour: Traditionally warm colours (red, orange, pink and yellow) are favourites in festive seasons as they bring vibrance and are also meant to be sacred in religious occasions. 

Every Colour carries a certain meaning. Yellow is perceived as cheerful and energetic, yet mellow and soft. Just like the mid summer sunshine, it portrays hope, happy times and used as a way to grab one's attention. 

Orange is a friendly, vital, inviting, energetic and playful color.  

People often think of the color as daring, warm, dynamic, bold and sexy. 

Green is the color of nature, and everything that goes with it. It has been described as refreshing, healing, soothing and prestigious. 

Blue is a very stable and dependable color. 

Purple reflects elegance, sensuality, spirituality and creativity. Purple is perhaps the most complicated and rare color, hence referred to as a majestic and royal, fit for kings.

For daily routine/business occasions, you should opt for subtle colours and minimal accessories.

Fabric and Texture: Usually heavyweight fabrics are used for rich “pallu” of a traditional saree. Some fabrics such as raw silk and velveteen add visual weight to the “wearer”. Whereas thin or visually lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and georgette may create an illusion of slimmer figure ! The threads used in saree add texture and shine to the saree. Current trend of adding jute threads to silk sarees is very welcoming. 

Saree Draping and Blouse Style (Modest or Sassy): Your appearance speaks 1000 words about who you are and hence please pay attention to the message that your appearance sends out. Whether you want it to be graceful or sassy ? A saree is associated with modesty in every indian household. Over the centuries, the Indian saree has kept evolving in terms of fabrics, colours, designs, draping style. But its fundamental concept of wrapping a length of five and a half meters of fabric around the body continues to be the same.

Keep reading our posts for more helpful facts and styling tips. 

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.

Fashion Essentials for Dating in Rain

“Green was the silence, wet was the light, the month of June trembled like a butterfly.”―Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets.

Everything romantic, everything magical happens between the months of June and August...the world of delicate green leaves opens up. Colourful flowers bloom on fresh green grass blades. I am sure all the people in love wait for the monsoons to arrive after a summer-full heat...That cool breeze, surprise rain showers and the serene scent of wet soil ...every fine detail created by nature makes you fall in love again with a new zeal.

Like the season, the fashion statement that "you two" make must be equally pleasant. For the young generation - gone are the days of clinging wet red sarees and white shirts. Comfortable and yet stylish attire is the new mantra! 

Shop for a stylish umbrella that makes you stand out in the crowd. The latest geometric prints on umbrellas are talk of the town. You can also check for latest trendy raincoats.

Lovely ladies can opt for synthetic tops in soild or striped prints in bright colours. Avoid cotton blends in clothes. Tops, tunics in nylon and polyester do not let you become a wet mess. Cropped trousers, culottes will be a more convenient than the wet denims. 

Accessories in neon colours bring super-freshness to your persona. A single piece like your wallet, belt or a tiny bracelet in neon colour is enough to make your appearance interesting. 

Waterproof make up is one of the smart shopping secrets. Sleek hairstyles and tied hair can keep you away from wet and sticky hair. 

For the handsome half of the generation (the gentlemen), a shirt layer on a t-shirt, a waterproof hoody and pair of shorts coupled with stylish boots or sturdy "jungle" shoes will be perfect for a rainy date even out in adventurous environment !  

Men can go for set hairstyles and little stubble may give a little rustic look to the already charming nature. Happy Rainy season and wish you sweetly stylish  moments. 

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer and style expert with a professional style of working, a healthy dose of humour, encouragement and compassion.
Neha upgrades your attitude, style and image. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.

Featuring Super Employee Traits

Today's generation of effective CEOs and Directors of the organisations look for the multi-talented Super Employees to join their teams. No wonder, the ever increasing competition in job market has pushed the candidates to acquire the various types of skills along with the technical know-hows.

Showcase Self Confidence & Positive Attitude-Confidence is knowing what you're good at, the value you provide, and acting in a way that conveys that to others.  Companies prefer to rely on the employees who are confident and risk takers. People with positive attitude see good in every situation and also boost up morale of others.

Be a Problem Solver  & Team Player- Organisational goals can not be achieved by someone alone; team spirit and benefits of working in a team always take the individuals as well as the organisations to next level of success. Problem solving is all about using logic, as well as imagination, to make sense of your situation and come up with an intelligent solution. A super employee always focuses on the solutions rather than the problems.

Work Ethics & Time Management-  A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management compared the skswills gap between older workers approaching retirement and younger workers starting work found that “professionalism” or “work ethic” is the top skill that younger workers lack. Being punctual, following dress codes and maintaining the business ethics and manners are equally essential.

Safeguard your Image - Your appearance, attitude and actions speak a lot about you inside and outside the work zone. How appropriately you are dressed, how much you follow norms of etiquette and how you treat others are measuring scales.

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer and style expert with a professional style of working, a healthy dose of humour, encouragement and compassion. 

Neha upgrades your attitude, style and image. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.

Dress code for New Joinees

Dress-code at workplace has always been a debatable topic. The company policies regarding dress code are sometimes ambiguous and vague. Therefore, a new joiner is often confused and tends to follow his colleagues' dressing style. 

However, what suits one person can not suit every other person. Hence please avoid the following:

Over- Casual Dressing -Wearing Polka dos, Animal Prints,bright yellows and shocking pinks/neons are surely not part of casual dressing. Even if your company allows you wearing denims to work, please avoid those with patchwork or the trendy torn denims.

Footwear- Even for ladies- prefer a footwear which hides your toe nails. Avoid wearing socks with sandals/floaters. Dark Coloured shoes with dark colored socks always preferred.

Decency- Maintain level of decency with proper length of shirt sleeves and skirt length. Use of sophisticated accessories and minimal makeup  is advised.

Suitability- It is essential to know what suits your personality and role in the organisation. Take an appointment with an Image Consultant to make your dressing more interesting.

You know that your image is result of perception about you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer and style expert with a professional yet relaxed style of working, a healthy dose of humour, encouragement and compassion. Neha upgrades your attitude, style and image. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.

CEOs, Founders & Presidents :Tiny Secret of Polished Image

"You can have anything you want if you dress for it" said Edith Head once. Truly, you are the author of your identity. Your core competencies and character traits you want people to associate with you should also reflect from your clothing and accessory choices.

A President / CEO should display leadership, control and direction. True leaders instill calm, as well as leadership and discipline. The suit you wear to inspire your sales force will be significantly different than the one you wear when addressing the board of directors. For each occasion, you need to consider what subliminal messages you are transmitting to your audience.'

The cost of clothing must be looked upon as an investment. This is your “Business Suit of Armor"; the money spent on your image will make your work easier (as impressions are half the battle) and will actually return a higher profit. Not knowing the business world can wreak havoc on the outcome and yield disastrous results. For these reasons, it's best to seek the advice of an expert!

Choose an expert image/wardrobe consultant to polish your appearance.This is a professional who understands how to communicate the visual messages in the business world. A good wardrobe consultant, by carefully crafting your image, will make you look and feel great, exude power, and communicate effectively, thus making you more successful.

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer and style expert with a professional style of working, a healthy dose of humour, encouragement and compassion. 

Neha upgrades your attitude, style and image. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.

Monsoon Sale: Wake up call for Shopaholics

                            They say, "Shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist".

The Monsoon Sale is around the corner. Remember how the supermarkets, shopping malls and even street side shopping places get packed with enthusiastic customers. The online shopping is at it's peak. You too might be one of those customers stealing the deal of the day !  Your "pride" in bargaining for a rare exclusive piece becomes your friend/neighbour/colleague's reason of "envy". 

And then comes time for a reality check...The clothing/accessory piece you chose is either too trendy or too delicate to maintain or not at all "your style"....You might have finished your next quarter's shopping budget in something you  will wear rarely in coming year. 

To avoid these situations, here are few tips before you hit the "add in cart" button or move your cart to the pay counter :

1. Understand yourself  and your "style" well enough; do not get carried away by a friend's choice (to avoid future regrets). 

2. Think twice about that expensive item from so called seasonal collection that keeps flashing on internet time to time- isn't that something most of people will buy and you will look a commoner??

3. An outfit that fits you well and enhances your beauty is the best item to buy.

4. Hire an Image Consultant :) for better and worthy shopping assistance.

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer and style expert with a professional style of working, a healthy dose of humour, encouragement and compassion. 

Neha upgrades your attitude, style and image. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.

We the Women, who Keep our Heads Above

                          Women :Head-dress, Head-gear Traditions 

The world of fashion and beauty keeps learning from old and classic trends and the recent example is floral head wreath which is literally turning “heads” nowadays! The fresh flower halo has been a popular accessory all over the world for centuries. It is typically worn in festive occasions and on holy days and has a long history and association with ancient pageants and ceremonies. Outside of occasional use, the wreath can also be used as a crown. The wreath most often has an annular geometric construction.

The flower crowns have been a symbol of love, fertility and celebration throughout history and around the world, they're so easy to personalize. Go as over-the-top or as simple as you want to – from oversize flowers to a few simple green sprigs and mini spray roses. Have your flower girls wear mini-crowns, create unique ones for each bridesmaid, or ask your hairstylist about incorporating one into your own hairstyle. Flower crowns were common in ancient Greece; it was especially popular to wear them at special occasions to honor the gods. Concept wise speaking, a wreath for attire purposes, is a type of headdress made of leaves, grasses, flowers or branches.

The head-dress are and were used to protect head, dignity, modesty and for decoration purpose.With reference to Indian Culture : A crown has been an integral part of image of any goddess. Later, in the era of Kingdoms, different types of crowns, "pagari" and turbans became the symbols of power and status.



Dupatta or Pallu is worn in many regional styles across South Asia. Originally, it was worn as a symbol of modesty. While that symbolism still continues, many today wear it as just a decorative accessory. A dupatta is traditionally worn across both shoulders and around head.



However, the dupatta can be worn like a cape around the entire torso. There is no single way of wearing the dupatta, and as time evolves and fashion modernizes, the style of the dupatta has also evolved. The material for the dupatta varies according to the suit.There are various modes of wearing dupatta. When not draped over the head in the traditional style, it is usually worn with the middle portion of the dupatta resting on the chest like a garland with the ends thrown over each shoulder.

When entering a temple, gurdwara , mosque, church, it is the habit in the Indian subcontinent for women to cover their head with a dupatta.

With reference to cultures in other parts of the world: A hat is a head covering which is worn for various reasons, including protection against the elements, ceremonial reasons, religious reasons, safety, or as a fashion accessory. Hats often have a brim all the way around the rim, and may be either placed on the head, or secured with hat-pins (which are pushed through the hat and the hair). Depending on the type of hat, they may be properly worn by men, by women or by both sexes.



Bonnet is a term for a wide variety of styles of headgear for both sexes, but most often female, which has been in use from the Middle Ages to the present. It is impossible to generalize as to the styles for which the word has been used, any more than for the alternatives of hat or cap, but there is for both sexes a tendency to use the word for styles in soft material and lacking a brim. In the 21st century, only a few kinds of headgear are still referred to as bonnets, most commonly those worn by babies and Scottish soldiers. French hood was actually a multi layered and complicated traditional head dress.




Russian Kokoshnik - Historically a kokoshnik is a headdress worn by married women, though maidens wore a headdress very similar to a kokoshnik, but open in the back.While in the past kokoshnik styles varied greatly, currently a kokoshnik is generally associated with a tall, nimbus or crest shaped headdress which is tied at the back of the head with long thick ribbons in a large bow. The crest can be embroidered with pearls and goldwork or simple applique, usually using plant and flower motifs. The forehead area is frequently decorated with pearl netting.

Kokoshnik style has been adapted in jewellery and Kokoshnik Tiara in Queen Elizabeth II's jewels is the most popular example of it.


Keep reading this blog for more interesting posts about appearance, attitude and action in fashion :) Wish you a Splendid Image !

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer and style expert with a professional style of working, a healthy dose of humour, encouragement and compassion. 

Neha upgrades your attitude, style and image. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.

Stop being a Stereo-type : Men & Fashion

Fashion is said to be an urban pursuit.

In the times where clones of high fashion hitting fashion streets and as the emerging trends in global world of fashion and aspiring fashion houses are replacing the old book styles, the common men can now expect new surge in the Indian fashion market,as well. 

Lightweight Linen Jackets have brought a literally cooling relief to power dressing of  the young as well as seasoned CEOs. Bow legged, relaxed as well as straight fit jeans are new found classics for the youngsters. 

When it comes to accessories and grooming- a summer gothic style sunglasses and an occasional "textured crop hairstyle" may make you stand out in a crowd. 

After all they say that the secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but rather on building the new one !
Keep reading our blog for more inputs.

Wish you a splendid new image :)

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer and style expert with a professional style of working, a healthy dose of humour, encouragement and compassion. 

Neha upgrades your attitude, style and image. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.

Image made of Appearace, Attitude and Actions!

We are living in the world of illusions, false appreciations and hidden agendas. Honesty and transparency have become rare ; be it individuals or organisations and corporates. 

Do you make a friend merely by looking at the profile picture? or are your business decisions are merely based on the looks of the products/services? 

Another formula for an IMAGE is your appearance, attitude and actions. Take  a mindful of your ATTITUDE , mix it with splendid ACTION and use it with your impressive APPEARANCE ! A balance of attitude and actions creates an impression that lasts longer. 

Your attitude towards your own goals and feeling of others is evaluated simultaneously. Action expresses your attitude in multitudes. 

Be it your real life or social media, balance your profile by adding a layer of hobbies, special interests and social causes that you truly care for. 

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer and style expert with a professional style of working, a healthy dose of humour, encouragement and compassion. 

Neha upgrades your attitude, style and image. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.

Stylish 2016 for Men

Let's make the new year more stylish ! 

Along with your health and wealth resolutions for the new year, do allocate some time for your style resolution as well. Clothing has an impact on your first impression in front of others as well as on your feelings and thoughts. Read further for Style Mantra for new year.We will learn about smart shopping in our upcoming post ! Happy Styling.


“A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them.” – Hardy Amies

Style Mantra for 2016

Invest your money in a great suit- If you want to look all dapper and gentlemanly, opt for a bespoke suit. Make sure the suit fits you at the shoulders. In terms of style, thin lapels are more modern than the wide ones. They say "grey is new black" so explore more shades in grey this year.

Formals don't have to be boring- Plan to play with prints and textures this year- Patterned (checkered) trousers are in vogue. Choose the size of checkers as per your body frame and don't go overboard. Patchwork on jacket elbows catch attention and remain in classic choices of men.

Spend wisely on shoes and belts- Accessories form a great part of one's wardrobe. 

The thumb rule of the belt matching with shoes too needs a twist. Adding a variety of shoes to your closet is a great idea but choosing a brand that offers comfort is a task, sometimes. Though we are living in an era of online shopping just a on a single click; do not forget to visit a brand outlet to check the comfort level of the shoes.

All about Ties- Your tie should JUST reach the waistband of your trousers, or be slightly shorter.Always go with the classic windsor knot for your tie, but use the size of your head to determine whether you should go half or full windsor.Buy ties which are darker/brighter than your shirts. Buy the trendy ties for business casual look.

Get recommendations from an Image Consultant - An Image Consultant will guide you all about your clothing choices and styling. Choosing right attire for formal and social events, finding about right fittings and personal shopping assistance are some of the services an image consultant will offer.

You know that your image is result of people's' perception of you and your business, but more importantly how you feel about yourself. Image consists of your appearance, attitude and actions. The Author, Neha Ratnakar is an Image Consultant, soft skill trainer and style expert with a professional style of working, a healthy dose of humour, encouragement and compassion. 

Neha upgrades your attitude, style and image. Email to neha@splendidconsultant.in and experience change in the way you look, feel and shop, forever.