When I first saw images from Chanel’s Pre Fall 2012 Paris- Bombay Fashion Show I was deeply inspired by the heavy smokey eyes, muted lips, maang tikkas, stunning jewelry pieces, gowns in shades of silver and metallics and big messy hair-do. While some of us find it way over the top for our liking, we can surely pick one, two or even more looks and experiment it with our own style and comfort level. With Diwali being just around the corner I thought this was the idle time to talk about my love for statement jewelry pieces, smokey eye make-up, stunning sarees and everything you will need to get you through Diwali in style and glamour.

How to dazzle and shine this festive season:

* If you are going heavy on your dressing keep your makeup and jewelry understated. You want your dress to be the center of attention. A good dewy finish, light lipgloss and kohl should do the trick. If your clothing is rather simple go for smoky eyes and nude lips.

* Maang Tikka is back and how. It has been all over Chanel’s runway and this is the best time for you to invest in one this festive and wedding season. It will last you indefinitely and you can pick one in gold, diamond or silver if you are looking for a spurge. People who are on a budget are spoilt for options with the variety of artificial jewelry available in your local markets or jewelry shops.

* Metallic and glitter is the next big thing. Invest in a bold metallic chiffon saree or a stunning anarkali.

* Give your usual black smokey eyes a break this season. Think golds, silvers or even teal or grey smokey eyes with a lot of volumizing mascara. Youtube is full of tutorials for all of the above! Just practice a smokey eye a few times before your final look to avoid any last minute errors. Similarly red nails are good and done with. We all have sported them over the last few years. Give way to sparkly, metallic nails.

* A good clutch is a very understated accessory. It will last you through all of your year end parties and weddings and holds all the necessary things you need to carry with yourself. It also instantly glams up your outfit.

* A good pair of shoes is a must. While most of the leading shoe stores are full of metallic and sparkly stilettos and wedges stick to your flats if that’s what you are comfortable in. Look for kolhapuri chappals in stores like Bata, Shoppers Stop, Catwalk, Mochi or even street shopping places in your city. For people in Bombay I highly recommend Colaba Causeway and Linking Road in Bandra.

* A messy bun looks good on almost anything and it also means that you don’t have to worry about your hairstyle for the rest of the day/night. I have attached a How To: Messy Bun link here: http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/how-to-messy-bun/ . A messy braid looks good on Indian wear just as well. If you want to keep your hair open consider big soft natural looking curls. To take it to another level add a sparkly rhinestone hair clip.

* Diwali time can be quite stressful for most of us. Treat yourself to a fruit facial for a sparkling and glowing skin. Also remember to eat your meals on time,  keep snacking on fruits and dry fruits so that you don’t overeat and drink a lot of water and green tea to compensate for the greasy and sugar loaded festive food.

What are your big plans this Diwali? Comment below. We would love to know! Manisha is excited about watching Jab Tak Hai Jaan and about her traditional diwali wear, Neha will be visiting her family, Preeti is looking forward to some shopping and I’m most excited about entertaining my family and close friends.

We at Beautifour wish you all a safe and a prosperous diwali. Happy Deepawali!

* We do not own any of the pictures above. If you own a image and we haven’t credited you please write to us. We would be more than just happy to give credit where it is due.