"A New Year - A New You" 5-Style Pledges for 2015

Happy new year to all the fashionistas' out there! We hope that this year too turn out to be as stylish in your favor as ever.

A new year marks new beginnings, be it health, career, relationships or fashion. The dawn of January 1, 2015 brought us for a call of action and we found nothing more important than sitting down and drafting our New Year's Resolutions especially when they pertain to our specialty : Fashion and Clothes!

Now as 2014 has come to an end, we're renewing the tradition and will be spending a lot of time thinking about personal style and shopping. Here's what made our list.

1) Leave behind the pressure to look like a magazine cover:

FASHION HIGHLIGHT: Supermodels aren't as perfect as they appear on the cover on those glossy magazines.

It may surprise many amongst us that the supermodels we are most impressed with are not as perfect or in some cases healthy for a fact as they are potrayed. They too are humans like us with flaws and imperfections. What you see on the magazine reaches you after being pampered by a dozen stylists and excellent makeup artists who are experts in their art! Striving to achieve impossible beauty standards leaves you depressed upon failure whereas in 2015 we will be focusing emulating a style you adore. Be yourself and show your personality and you'll look gorgeous!

2) Stop playing it safe:

Good sense of style means taking few risks occasionally. Although being a slave to fashion trends isn't a great idea but wearing the same kind of clothes all the time looks repetitive and boring. Blossom your sense of style by "mix and match" which also happens to be our style mantra for the year 2015. Try a new shade of lipstick or maybe crop your pants for a fresher look and see what happens!

3) Clean your closet for real!

Isn't this what our mothers ask us to do all the time? It's time to make mamas' happy all over the globe. Get up , open your closet and start thinking, "is this how I want to look like?" . I am sure all of us have been hanging on to clothes that either we don't wear anymore or they doesn't fit. It's time to toss out all such items and give it to someone who can value it more than us. In this manner we'll be left with more closet space and a more clear idea of how we want to appear.

4) Invest in a Statement piece:

Instead of buying five so-so pieces that you’ll toss out after five washes, it’s better to invest in a great item that you’ll wear for a longer period of time. You can have a lot of variety from a chic top to a great leather handbag in this category.

5) Glitter out:

We all wear glitter or let’s say metallic hues during the night while attending weddings and late night events. But let’s take the risk and wear those trends while stepping out during the day. A matte gold sequin skirt paired with a pair of neutral hued straight pants can make your morning a little more bright.

Let us know what your new year resolutions are.

Fabric Fever 2014!

Hello ladies!

As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, it's time to bring out your stylish winter wardrobe! Winter is yet another reason to flaunt your style and be yourself, why hide behind layers of clothes when you can wear something cozy and equally glamorous at the same time!

Comfort Zone(left), Winter Bloom (center), Inferno (right)

As the mercury level drops we find a variety of fabrics approach the market, each with its own distinct quality.

Linen: Winters and linen go hand in hand every year. This fabric is perhaps most commonly used in clothing due to its smooth feel and a flawless finish. Some types of linen have a slight sheen to them and are very light weight making it a smart choice this season. Have a look at Comfort Zone, the simplicity and the trend appeal is to die for! The of-so-soft feel of linen is amazing while the beautiful colors simply take your breath away.

Karandi: If you are someone who likes to step out in a warmer fabric, then karandi is what you’re looking for. Known for it’s thickness and superior warmth, karandi has a slightly rougher texture than other winter fabrics. Adorn yourself in the comfortable embrace of Winter Bloom that has an eye catching color combined with comfortable long sleeves that will take you through the harsh climate with ease

Marina: Marina is yet another option available for those who like a lustrous feel combined with comfort. Similar in feel to linen, marina has a heavier weave and is thicker than linen, making it perfect for those cold winter nights. Inferno is available worldwide to all the comfort lovers! The neutral hues and the earthy tones compliment the weather while the soft feel, superior comfort and the drop-dead-gorgeous appeal of the dress takes it on another level of dressing!

Let us know what you think!

5 Reasons Why You Should Take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!

Hello Everyone!

We're back with an exciting piece on none other than the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge this week which we're sure your newsfeed is "flooded" with everday! Most of you must have seen your friends dumping a bucket full of icy cold water over their heads and uploading the entire scene on their social networking profiles , looks like fun (brrrr...!! ) but what is ALS and why has it gone viral?

ALS Association is a US based non profit organization that raises money on research , patient  services and creating awareness about the motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as the Lou Gehrig's disease.Due to the fun concept and the celebrity heft, the ice bucket phenomenon has gone viral over the social networking websites in the past two months with more than 2.5 million videos being uploaded and more than USD 22.9 million donated to the ALS Association!

In case you have missed it (we doubt it! ) but this is how it works.

Within 24 hours of being challenged the participants have to record themselves in continuous footage. First they have to announce their acceptance of challenge followed by nominating atleast 3 people to take the challenge.Then the participant is supposed to pour a bucket full of icy cold water over their head. If somebody is nominated and refuse to take the challenge (yes, all the chickens out there ) then they are supposed to donate USD 100 to the ALS foundation. Amazing , right?

 Here's why we think you should take up the challenge!

1) Charity begins at home: By nominating other people to take up the challenge you are actually inviting people to join hands for a noble cause. You can even take up the challenge and donate to the cause of your own choice like some charity trust in Pakistan instead of the ALS Association because the idea behind the concept is "Giving what we can" for a greater cause!

2) Its FUN! : When was the last time you had the chance to play around with a little water? (We thought so! ) This activity gives you a 5 minute break from your hectic routines and gives you the opportunity to have some fun with your friends and family.

3) Everyone can join in! :This activity can be taken up by anyone , at any place and any time  There are no particular rules or pre-requisites for the challenge other  than a gung ho attitude! Billionaires like Mark Zukerberg and Bill Gates and celebrities like Zac Efron and Ashton Kutcher have all taken up the challenge.

4) No additional material required: All that is required for the task is some ice , water and a bucket which are easily available at home so you don't have to spend a dime on anything.

5) Its Summer! : Nothing beats the heat like a good old bucket of cold water! And with the load shedding getting out of control ,we are sure you will find this the best way to donate .

That was all from our side , do keep us posted on what you think and we would love to see you do the challenge! Have fun!

Eid Apparel 2014!

The festivities of Eid are just around the corner and let’s admit it that we have our eyes open for that one perfect dress that has glamour, class and elegance all in one! Wrap around the glitter festivities defining the startling Eid collection at Daaman this season and we are sure you will fall in love with the one.

Luminescent

Elegance is the only mantra defining the Eid collection at Daaman this season, accentuate your monarchical persona with our ritzy eastern designs or show your love for the modern cuts with gorgeous motifs to shimmer up your style. And for your little buds there is a huge eye popping assortment in pretty pinks and wonderful blues so hop on for a fun ride to explore what Daaman has in store for you!

Let the diva in you shine bright and strong this Eid in Luminescent .This design is rich in its appeal while giving a nod to the cultural allure. If you are a fun person who loves to go glitz and glam in the dressing department then this dress is your answer. Some chunky bangles and mehndi is all you need to complete the look.

Elegance Matters

If soft and classic is how you define your style game then Elegance matters is one beautiful and breath-taking chiffon ensemble that flashes your love for style and trend. The softness of chiffon combined with the stylish sleeveless design and the string belt adds a wow factor to mix whereas the subtle color palette is classic all the way down. It’s lady like and high on fashion so indulge in the luxury.

Shimmer me Timbers

Shimmer me Timbers lets your little one live the colors of carnival this Eid looking cute and girly. Your little princess will look like a doll in the shimmery tea pink design paired with the adorable gold tights. Just add a pair of butterfly hair pins and gold ballet shoes and she’s ready to shine on the big day.

Don’t forget to update us with your feedback. Happy shopping!

History of Red Lipstick!

Let’s begin with a fun question,

What is that one item you will find in the makeup bags of Gwen Stefani, Elizabeth Taylor, Lady Gaga, Marilyn Monroe, and Angelina Jolie? (Yes, we just love peeping in someone else’s roll of cosmetics!).

You guessed it….a red lipstick!

Red is that one classic lip color that women of all ages have embraced since 3000 BC! The ancient Mesopotamian women used crushed gemstones to decorate their lips and the famous Cleopatra VII would crush red ants and carmine in beeswax to color her lips red! (We never felt more glad being born in the 21^st century, honestly!)

(Token of Appreciation: Hats off to Queen Elizabeth I for rocking the red lips in mid 1500’s!)

The popularity of lipsticks faded away until the look was revived on the big screen by famous actresses like Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. Till then lipsticks were made from carmine dye taken from cochineal insect scales (which must have tasted interesting!).

 Within years, major beauty companies like Chanel, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden and Guerlain started selling lipsticks and we landed in an era of hassle-free-bugs-free lipsticks that too in a range of red shades (Thank God!)

Today a signature red lip has the same timeless appeal and classy edge it had centuries ago. Be it a night time or day, a red carpet or a college farewell, a working woman or a housewife , a rouge lip color is fit for all if the right shade is chosen!

Let us know about your favorite red lip event, we would love to hear from you!

Ideal Summer Destinations!

Summers are finally here! The soaring temperature makes it tough to focus on work and now is the time to take out all the travel brochures hidden under your work files and run off to a vacation spot! Take out your sun block and beach mats people because we are going on a fun ride to the 3 most exciting summer destinations we know you don’t want to miss out on!

Shangri-La Resort- Skardu

This resort right here is a real summer treat! Hidden between the mighty Himalayas this resort hugs the heart shaped Kachura Lake and was named Heaven on Earth (Shangri-la in Chinese) for its spectacular beauty, peaceful atmosphere and breath-taking view.

(Inside tip: Nothing is more romantic than a stroll in the fruit laden gardens around the lake with your significant other.)

From the red slanted roofs to the blue sky and from the crystal clear water to the green valleys, you will be captivated by the splendor of colors this place has to offer! Shangri-La is accessible by road and air so don’t miss out the opportunity to visit this place.

Get accommodated indoors or enjoy the panoramic view in the swiss-cottages and villas dotted along the serene lake. Spend your day either boating on the beautiful Kachura Lake or explore the mini zoo which has an admirable collection of the rare wild birds and animals. You can also sign up for a trekking expedition to explore the neighboring valleys during the day and enjoy sumptuous Chinese and Pakistani cuisines at bonfires while listening to cultural music outdoors under the stars!

Patong Beach , Phuket-Thailand

Patong Beach is yet another piece of beauty you would want to explore this summer! Situated in the south of Thailand on the coast of Andaman Sea, Phuket is amongst the most popular travel destinations among Pakistanis (including the Daaman office!).

Picture yourself on a long stretch of secluded beach where all you can hear are the calm waves lapping upon the soft sand with the faint hum the tropical wildlife in the distance.

(Inside tip: Keep yourself hydrated! Try the Thai ice-tea with orange blossom water. Super-Refreshing!)

Patong beach is considered as the hub of Phuket's nightlife and budget-friendly shopping on the island, moreover one can find the highest concentration of restaurants reflecting the diversity of tourists visiting this place! The dinning establishments run from hand-wheeled carts selling kebabs and sticky rice all the way to world class fine dining with celebrity chefs.

(Inside tip: Try the mouth-watering shrimp curry, your taste-buds will thank you!)

One can spend the day getting involved in a wide range of activities like snorkeling, sun-bathing, surfing, playing golf, scuba diving or simply going shopping while enjoying the exquisite cuisines and the raging nightlife at night!

Mount Nemrut- Turkey

All of you who have given your hearts to old archaeological sites and mountains, we give you Mount Nemrut. Being one of the most popular sites in Turkey with 2000 years old ruins of the Commagene cult, huge statues of ancient Greek, Armenian, and Perisan gods, we are sure you wont be able to get enough of this place!

Take out your sunblocks and unleash your wander-lust people because the sunrise and the sunset is breath-taking! The beauty is almost impossible to describe.

(Inside tip: Make sure you carry a warm jacket even in harsh summers so being cold does not distract you from the experience)

The hiking experience is amazing here, you will be required to climb up , We recommend that you choose the West terrace since it has stairs all the way to the top but if the entire journey gets exhausting then mule taxi services are available. The entire journey takes upto 6 hours and there are many stops on the way up, it’s better that you take your time going up and take breaks while enjoying the beautiful view.

Let us know which place inspired you the most!

Fashion Trends -Summer 2014

Summers have finally arrived and with the temperature nudging over 30 degrees in most parts of the country and the heat becoming unbearable most of us will be hitting the stores to look for something breezy, gorgeous and equally trendy!

Ask yourself whether you are stuck in a fashion rut? If you have set your mode on auto-pilot and head out to the same stores again and again then we suggest that you snap out of it this season because summer 2014 is all about bringing a change and keeping it classy no matter what. Here is a sneak peek of the top 4 fashion trends this year.

H for Higher Hemlines!

Yes , shirts with a higher hemline are back in vogue this season. Not only that but the front-low and back-high hemlines will surely bring you to a halt! While the latter half of 2013 experimented with short hemlines , the designers have made a transition this year and higher hemlines are back for good.They a stunner while they are known to bring grace and elegance to your personality.

Trend Report and Bead Up are two one of a kind shirts that are designed to set you apart from the crowd, and we predict that choosing between the two will be a task. Former is a funky and feminine combination whereas the latter is a classy black and white dress with a net hemline to die for! Make a pick or grab both of them to spring in style this season.

Pop of Poppy Prints

With the summers finally setting in , we can see an outburst of blooms everywhere from the gardens and sidewalks to our wardrobes! Yes the fashion of botanical prints and flora is a big in and they are leaving a stamp everywhere.Be it an embroidered motif or a simple print , florals are here to stay.

 The green fingered designers have cultivated a floral-strewn trend this time and tried to capture the beauty of the season in breathtaking colors that will quickly become the star of your closet.

Check out Pride and Bloom and The Greenhouse Effect from our summer collection 2014 that will put you on the peak of glamour and charisma in no time.

Sleeker Silhouettes

Sleeker silhouettes mark a new dawn of femininity. When talking about the silhouettes this summer, it turned out that the designers are a big fan of sleeker than flowy this season. Yes the dresses that we have are ready-to-wear and ready-to-impress!

Daaman gets a thumbs up for creating a range of ravishing garments in a variety of neon and soft colors. Citrus Splash and Sheer Elegance are two masterpieces from Summer collection 2014 that amps the stylish you.

Metallica!

Metallics are back and the season calls for a lustrous shine, be it night or day. Gone are the days when adding a metallic or a heavily embellished clutch was enough , this season we suggest your audience to put on their shades because looks with reflective touches are what's in. We suggest that you pair them up with simple hairstyles and natural makeup .

Check out Daaman's version of metallic mania with Why Knot, a beautiful shirt with long sleeves that will take your breath away. The irresistible mint green fabric with a metallic sheen will stun everyone around you. We suggest you pair the garment with a pair of your favorite capri pants to show your classy side.

Let us know what you think .