Archana, Author at FashionForRoyals

Ten Cute Hair Accessories You Should Definitely Try

When it comes to styling hair in the morning, it’s so easy to have a that’ll do attitude. But ladies, it’s time to shake things up! Just taking a little extra time on your hair in the mornings will complete your look, and it’s so easy to do. Make every day a good hair day with these ten cute hair accessories. They’re simple, easy, and will make you the subject of much hair envy – what more could you ask for?

Hairband

If your fringe isn’t doing what you want to it to, just shove it back with a hairband. They come in all shapes, sizes, patterns and colours, so there’s absolutely no need to go for the plastic 90s variety – unless you want to, of course!

Bandana

A bandana may be slightly trickier to pull off than a good old fashioned hairband, but when it works, it really, really works. This is a great idea for those with shorter hair, as you can use it to add body and structure.

Ribbon

For a good many years, ribbons were my signature thing. I should really get back into that. You can pick them up super-cheap at any haberdashery, and they’re surprisingly versatile.

Bow

If you love ribbons but need something with a little more structure to it (perhaps your hair’s just too silky soft to hold a ribbon) a bow clip is a great alternative. If you prefer subtler styles, just add a cute little bow to a ponytail or braid, or if you like to go big and bold, grab the biggest bow you can find!

Flower

I hear ya – flower hair accessories can be super tacky. Don’t rule them out, though. Some, particularly the silk variety, are gorgeous. Get that festival boho style by just clipping your long beachy locks with a couple of flower clips.

Button

If you fancy yourself a bit of an alternative, or you’re simply just not a girly-girl, buttons can be a great accessory in place of flowers, ribbons and bows. You can make your own button clips really easily, too! Just find a few buttons you like the look of and thread them through a bobby pin. You may need a little glue to hold them in place, but make sure it’s dry before you use them!

Jumbo clip

For that simple, minimalist, effortless look, use a jumbo hair clip. They’re a little bit different, but normal enough for you not to feel self-conscious. They’re also actually really practical, especially for more troublesome hair.

Chain

Want something a little more unique? Hair chains are absolutely the latest and greatest when it comes to hair accessories. Just pop one a-top your standard middle parting, and you’ve got a perfectly done, glamorous do.

Pins

For those potentially more formal occasions, decorative pins totally light-up any tired old up-do. Diamonds, pearls, flowers – they come in as many varieties as you’d like, and couldn’t be easier to use.

Scrunchie

From formal to the ultimate casual – the scrunchie! Not only do these give you that vintage 90s look we all love, but they’re super-comfortable, better for your hair than normal hair ties, and they don’t give you that dreaded kink!

Trend Setting Designers at the Amazon India Fashion Week 2015

While it goes without saying that there was no dearth of fashion marvels at the AIFW 2015, some designers and their creations stood out above the rest. Here is our take on the most dazzling of all collections which shall undoubtedly define the top trends for the autumn-winter season.

Anupama Dayal

A Mughal-inspired collection that paid tribute to the Jamali-Kamali monument in Delhi, Anupama Dayal’s collection was subtly inventive and very striking. With a large number of outfits in shades of sandstone, earthy tones were aplenty on her ramp. The brilliant embroidery on necklines and ethno-mod prints she used made the fashion industry admire her avant-garde style. Also, she played with the notion of layering using thin fabrics like chiffon, silk and light cotton to create interesting, tiered outfits.

Anju Modi

Another designer who received rave reviews and unending praise was Anju Modi. A marked departure from her usual designs, her AIFW 2015 collection was edgy and eclectic, fusing ethnic Indian couture with western styles. Entitled ‘How to Write a Fairy Tale’, her line had much appliqué work and zardozi embroidery, teamed effectively with printed florals and bubble fabrics. The success of her collection can be attributed to the elegance and finesse with which she has combined divergent styles. Her creations are certainly those to watch out for in the future.

Nikasha

Veteran designer Nikasha did not disappoint with her inspiring autumn collection. With light hues, monochromatic outfits and fine prints, her line represented soft, feminine elegance. Paired with minimal accessories, more detailed clothing was the hallmark her creations. Outfits from this lovely collection are likely to be widely worn as Indian occasion-wear in the coming season. So if you have a mehendi, sangeet or wedding to attend, Nikasha’s line is sure to have something suitable.

EKA

EKA’s collection was undeniably the surprise element of the AIFW 2015. It attempted to recreate yesteryear winter fashion, offering a cozy, familiar experience to the target audience. With pastel colours, classic deep shades and interesting patterns in abundance, this line of clothing garnered much attention from all fashion stalwarts. The revival of peacoats, shawls, thigh-high-slit skirts, baggy pants, beanies and loose blouses made EKA’s creations an enthralling experience, visually as well as intellectually. Hats off to EKA for allowing us a throwback into the past of Indian fashion, with skilful remodelling into contemporary styles.

Mynah Designs – Nikhita

Nikhita Tandon’s Mynah Designs collection was beautiful – there’s no other way to put it. An absolutely delightful line for those who love classic styles and conventional structures, it received much appreciation on account of its grace and simplicity. Beautiful drapes, structures silhouettes and timeless shades of red and black dominated her ramp. With a singular focus of dresses and their varied form, Mynah Designs are meant for the young woman of today who is caught between the extremities of convention and modernity. No wonder Nikhita’s outfits made such a huge impression on audiences!

These are the designers who grabbed eyeballs, wowed audiences and won all our hearts this AIFW 2015. Hope you are all inspired to build a great autumn-winter wardrobe based on their brilliant stylistics.

Top Trends from the Lakme Fashion Week 2015

With the end of the LFW 2015 comes the excitement of discovering what new trends it has produced. After all, you have to justify your next shopping spree some way – upgrading your wardrobe to match ramp glamour can be the excuse for now.

But before all else, you need to know what’s in vogue this season; what cuts, prints and styles would be best to sport. So here’s a list of the top trends that emerged from the Lakme Fashion Week 2015 – put together outfits keeping these in mind!

Blue Hues

With Manish Malhotra’s ‘Blue Runway’ collection being such a huge success, it comes as no surprise that this colour is topping the fashion charts now. From dresses and skirts to suits and lehengas, all seem better and brighter in blue, especially its indigo shade which dominated the leading designer’s line. Manish Malhotra in fact himself predicted that blue and yellow are going to be “huge colours” this season. So if you love the blues, this is the time to go all out and wear the colour with much panache. With blue becoming a fashion statement, other allied styles such as denim-on-denim and royal-hued, satin clothing shall also make a comeback.

The “Sculpted” Look

Anamika Khanna’s ‘Sculpt’ was the grand finale of the LFW 2015 and grand it certainly was. Several elements from her collection are now being incorporated into everyday fashion and you shouldn’t miss out on these. ‘Sculpt’ played with the idea of structure and silhouette to produce beautiful drapes and flowy styles. Making liberal use of zardozi embroidery and thread and metallic work, her designs naturally used shades like gold, silver, ivory, nude, black and gunmetal liberally. You too could stock up on jewel-toned clothing with either structured of flowing silhouettes (whichever suits your personal style mantra) for both are dominant trends this season. Also, with the Kapoor sisters modelling for the designer, wearing the latest Lakme makeup line which promises a more sculpted look and sharp finish, you know what look to aim for when primping up for the next party.

Funky Headgear

Who doesn’t love their hair accessories? This season you can be as experimental and bold as you like for funky headgear is so in. Tarun Tahiliani’s 2015 ethnic collection was striking and uber-glamorous owing to the exquisite turbans he incorporated into his outfits. You can follow his lead and make quite a statement with some well-styled boho headgear. A scarf wrapped as a turban, or a hat with intricate patterns will immediately add dimension and edge to your outfit. And a happy by-product is that you will have some more fortification against the sweltering Indian heat!

Crop Tops

If you thought that crop tops were “just a phase”, think again! LFW 2015 seems to suggest that they are here to stay. Spotted on the ramps of a huge number of designers, these mid-riff baring blouses seem to have been re-presented in new and interesting ways. Both Sabyasachi and Tarun Tahiliani had a range of ethnic crop tops, while Alan Alexander Kaleekal and Salita Nanda offered more modern, western creations. These were teamed with all kinds of bottoms, from denims and pants, to skirts and shorts. It would be a wise choice to pair fitted crop tops with high-waisted skirts and loose, casual ones with skinny jeans and cut-offs. While these would be safer, classic ways of styling your crop top, you can go in for more unconventional pairings, taking inspiration from the collection by Kavita Bhatia.

Round Sunglasses

One of the many retro trends to be revived, round sunglasses were spotted rather frequently on the ramps this season. Outfits by designers including Sabyasachi, Aiman Agha and Armaan Randhawa, Shruti Sancheti, Anuj Bhutani and Tarun Tahiliani were chicly accessorized with vintage round-framed shades. You can get yourself a cool pair of such shades too! Adding a touch of quirk and high couture eclecticism to your look, such eye-wear will jazz up both formal and casual outfits.

These are some of the top trends that the LFW 2015 has ushered in. Fortunately for us, these can all be adapted to one’s everyday wardrobe with much ease. So ladies, gear up for a season full of beautiful blues, lovely drapes, cutesy crop tops and fun accessories!

Amazon India Fashion Week 2015 #Day 5, March 29

The Grand Finale of the AIFW 2015 brought the five-day fashion extravaganza to an end with quite a spectacular show. A combination of industry A-listers and their creations, good music and theatrics, and a lively, excitable audience made this event a wonderful tribute to Indian Fashion Week’s 25^th Anniversary. Here’s the scoop on all that went down on day 5 of the AIFW 2015:

Style Fiesta

The last day of AIFW 2015 passed in anticipation of the Grand Finale event that was to take place in the evening. The show began with Amalraj Sengupta unveiling his ‘I am Alive’ collection which showcased khadi, silk and cotton fabrics in unconventional forms. Sneha Arora’s line, which played with prints and patterns to produce some fun, quirky outfits was well-received as well. The final collection of the season was Ashima-Leena’s colourful, bold line which redefined bohemian glamour in mesmerizing ways. Last to come was the Grand Finale show entitled ‘Crafts of India’; it brought together 25 of India’s leading designers to exhibit a series of outfits that represented their interpretation of Indian arts and culture. The perfect conclusion to a successful fashion event, this day will go down as a landmark moment in Indian Fashion history.

Magical Moments

India’s top 25 designers came together with the likes of Padamshree winners Ritu Kumar and Wendell Rodricks, and other top designers such as Manish Malhotra, Anamika Khanna, Tarun Tahilani, JJ Valaya, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Varun Bahl in participation.
Instrumental music and dhol beats played in the background as the designers’ creations sashayed down the ramp.
Ritu Kumar delighted the industry with her new designs which were much awaited since here two-year-long absence from the popular ramps.
Rohit Bal broke into an impromptu jig when taking the final bow, driving the audience wild.
The 90s ramp-queen Nyonika Chatterjee walked down the ramp in Sabyasachi’s stunning outfit which was a special creation for his favourite muse.

One of the most dazzling Grand Finale’s in the history of Indian fashion, the AIFW 2015 came to a close with much marvellous pomp and show. Ah, another major glamour event gone by!

An Interview with MUA Bobby Chopra

Bobby Chopra made a foray into the glamour industry with a stint at MTV’s hit show Roadies. Fabulous and enterprising at a young age, she combined opportunity with talent to pursue her passion – the glorious art of makeup. Bob Chop Makeovers, her freelance makeup agency, makes for an inspiring success story that we at FashionForRoyals truly respect.

This is what the bright and beautiful Bobby Chopra has to say about Bob Chop Makeovers:

Bobby: I love makeup, bling and smiling faces, and this is the basic instinct I followed in setting up Bob Chop Makeovers. The idea is to create magic with a makeup palette and I am happy to say that I think we have managed to do that and again. Maybe that’s why we have managed to come so far, for we are passionate about what we do and aspire to make others happy. We started small, but today have experience in all areas of the industry – celebrity makeup, photo-shoots, bridal makeovers, ramp regimes, tutorials and more.

Q: Do you have any pre-bridal regime tips for glowing skin? Our readers would love to know…

Bobby: I get this question a lot. And I understand why – every bride wants to look stunning on her big day. The thing is, the worst and most common problem Indian brides face is tanning. I can tell you from personal experience that the best solution for tan removal is oats. An absolute wonder for people with oily skin, oats can help lighten skin to original complexion naturally and in relatively less time. Here’s a pack you can try – Take a tbsp of oats and almonds each and grind them together. Mix the powder with rose water to form a paste. Use this as a scrub-cum-pack. Scrub your face with water and the mix, leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water. Preferably, do this at night and follow up with a good night cream. Then watch the layers of tan come off, slowly and steadily!

Q: What are some of your favourite makeup products?

Bobby: Ooooh, that’s a tough one. But I have some all-time favourites that I swear by. One is the range of Inglot’s AMC Eye Pigments – they have the most amazing glittery particles; I love that! Then there’s M.A.C.’s Studio Fix SPF Fluid Foundation. I mix that with Inglot’s AMC Shiner and trust me, it looks wonderful on everyone and stays intact, even in Summers. Then there’s Bobby Brown’s Shimmer Bars and Sweetheart by Two Faced – these are the best highlighters I have come across so far. In terms of lipstick, I like the Melted Lip Colours range by Two Faced – my personal go-to shade is Sugar. And then… Actually this could go on forever, the list is too long! So I guess, I’ll stop with that for now.

Q: Recommend some products you think all brides should buy.

Bobby: Um, okay. So in my opinion, every bride-to-be should use only Inglot, M.A.C. or Bobbie Brown foundations on and before the D-Day. On your cheeks, go on for Two Faced’s Sweetheart which is a brilliant blusher-cum-highlighter. Use both primer and mascara by Benefit. For your lips, Melted Sugar by Two Faced will be best. And not just brides, I think eventually, everyone should invest in quality makeup products for best results.

Q: Finally, if one is interested in contacting you, how do they go about it?

Bobby: That’s easy. I have a Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/chopra01mail. Anyone can contact me there and I will respond asap.

Amazon India Fashion Week 2015 #Day 2, March 26

So Ladies, while the first day of the AIFW 2015 wowed one and all with its magnificent shows, the second day didn’t disappoint either. It was a mix bag of different aesthetic ideologies, taking Indian fashion eclecticism to new heights. From sustainable fashion to collections inspired by spiritual contemplation, designers offered a range of visual and conceptual wonders that left the audience wanting more. Here’s what you need to know about Day 2 of the AIFW 2015:

Dazzling Diversity

The diversity in styles showcased by designers was compelling and impressive. The show began with Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s monotone collection which at once mourned and celebrated the transience of human life. This was followed by the colourful and lively presentation of Hemant and Nandita and Pallavi Mohan’s ‘Not So Serious’ creations. Samant Chauhan’s Nepal-inspired clothing and Rina Dhaka’s rather theatrical show also received much attention. But it is the avant garde stylistics of Amit Aggarwal and David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore that garnered most applause and appreciation.

The Outstanding Ones

The Abraham-Thadoke duo’s ‘New Old’ collection used recycled materials to create beautiful outfits combining tradition with modernity. The most innovative creation were the sequins made of old X-ray films.
Amit Aggarwal’s futuristic collection which used recycled plastic, straws and stockings as embellishments was appreciated for its bold and experimental concept. Some winter staples were remodelled in a striking, unconventional manner to present chic ramp-ready attires.
Dibakar Banerjee and Sushant Singh Rajput launched an apparel line titled ‘NOIR 43” based on their upcoming Bollywood flick “Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!”. Modelled at the Amazon.in Lounge, the menswear reworked styles from the British Raj period, while the womenswear brought back memories of the 40s quirky clothing.
Hemant and Nandita’s collection revived the bohemian look with festive winter-wear for the urban traveller. Bold yet very commercial, pieces from this collection are sure to be sported by the fashion forward in the coming seasons.

The AIFW 2015 has been very exciting so far. More updates coming your way soon!

Amazon India Fashion Week 2015 #Day 1, March 25

It’s that time of the year when the Indian fashion industry and its passionate followers simply can’t seem to catch a break (in a good way, of course). We were still reeling from the spectacular exhibits of the LFW 2015, when in came the Amazon India Fashion Week to wow us again.

In case you are slightly lost, never having heard of this event before, don’t worry your pretty heads; basically, what has been called the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week for almost a decade now, is going to be called the Amazon India Fashion Week henceforth. The FDCI has switched its title sponsor roping in one of India’s largest e-commerce portals as its chief brand partner.

The AIFW 2015 presented a series of stunning Autumn-Winter collections, with over 100 designers in participation. Held in Hall No. 12 of Delhi’s iconic Pragati Maidan, this five-day-long event added to the capital’s love for high couture. Let’s have a look at what the opening day – March 25 – had in store for the attendees:

Get, Set, Go!

The first day of AIFW 2015, set the ball rolling for the oncoming week of absolute fabulousness with its impressive ramps, dramatic theatrics and LED lighting. Numerous well-acclaimed as well as upcoming designers presented creations that were no short of outstanding. The opening show – Rajesh Pratap Singh’s hospital-themed collection – was one of those that create fashion history. Following this were collections by Nikasha, Payal Singhal, Kavita Bhatia and Anju Modi. The day ended with the keenly awaited collection by JJ Valaya and the unveiling of Amazon’s new e-book reader. It was a day that shall be remembered as one of the most successful opening events in recent times.

A Quick Glance at the Show’s Best

One just cannot get past the fascinating quality of Rajesh Pratap Singh’s opening act. Replete with a hospital-like beds, surgical lights and IV bags even, his collection was a tribute to his own familial roots in the medical world. World War II-inspired skirts, gum-coated fabrics and oxford heels dominated his designs.
While Singh’s collection was quirky and attention-grabbing, Payal Singhal’s heavily embellished crop-tops, loose-pants and lehengas presented a more classic, sophisticated aesthetic experience.
Anju Modi’s ‘How to Write a Fairytale’ was another subtle, though slightly whimsical collection showcasing asymmetrical silhouettes, retro patterns and fantasy-themed embroidery. It received glowing reviews, having made quite a mark in the glamour world.
The most talked-about designer of the evening was undeniably JJ Valaya. His ‘’The Bolshoi Bazaar’ collection fused Indian styles with Russian embroidery and heavy accessorizing, to produce very dramatic outfits. Both the menswear as well as womenswear was characterized by a sense of youth, tradition and luxury.
Perhaps the most “aw”-worthy moment of all times, the Kindle unveiling was accomplished by a group of tiny girls dressed as Russian dolls. They each carried the new e-book reader displaying the alphabets of Valaya’s show name glowing on the screen. What an adorable end to the wonderful day!

So that’s what happened on the grand opening day of the AIFW 2015. Stay tuned for more updates!

Antioxidants – Does Your Skin Really Need Them

In the past one decade, we have all been hearing much about antioxidants. From over-the-counter supplements to ointments for topical application, there are just so many options out there.

But I feel that one must know exactly what antioxidants are all about before stocking up on them for long-term usage. Once you know about them, you can make the right choices, both in your daily diet and otherwise.

What are antioxidants?

This is slightly scientific, so bear with me for a bit. If you have seen a cut apple turn brown, you’ve had a fine visual of the oxidation process. When oxygen is used in our body, a similar chemical process takes place.

Basically, the byproduct of oxidation in our body is free radicals, which are unstable atoms that latch onto healthy ones. This messes with the cell structure of skin cells, causing signs of ageing to appear over time.

Before I explain what antioxidants do, it’s important to stress on the fact that free radicals, though produced as a natural bodily function as well, can also be attributed to exposure to sunlight, air pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol and mental stress. To minimize their production thus, stay away from these beauty-hampering evils!

Now coming to antioxidants, they step in to combat free radicals. They are minerals and enzymes which neutralize the action of these bad boys, thus slowing the skin ageing process. Found in a large variety of foods and beverages, antioxidants are now also being sold in packaged form as tablets, creams, etc.

The Debate:

Most dermatologists swear by antioxidants claiming that beyond a certain age, they become necessary for maintaining healthy skin quality. They enlist a variety of benefits of antioxidant-consumption including:

Even skin tone due to improvement in cell metabolism.
Skin firming and reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Reparation and diminishing the visibility of scars.
Prevention of sun damage.

Now while majority of skin experts agree on this, there are a number of researches and studies that do not. They maintain that the widely proclaimed anti-ageing properties of antioxidants are an exaggeration of their potential. Some go as far as to suggest that they are detrimental to one’s health even. So the question now is, what does one do?

I personally believe that the evidence in favor of antioxidants far-exceeds that which is against them. Also, the science behind it has a pretty convincing logic, so I personally have much faith in the pros of using antioxidants.

For those who are still confused, here’s a suggestion. Rely more on natural sources of antioxidants so your body doesn’t receive them in concentrated forms. This will do you no harm and only make your diet more wholesome and healthy!

Antioxidant-Rich Foods:

Vitamin C in citrus fruits, berries and dark, leafy greens.
Vitamin A in vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and fruits like prunes and apricots.
Vitamin E in whole grains, nuts, vegetable oil and liver oil.
Beta-carotene in pumpkin, carrots, squash and sweet potatoes.
Selenium in grains, eggs, red meat, fish, milk and garlic.
Lignan in oats, barley, rye and flax seed.
Flavnoids in red wine, soy, tea, blueberries and cranberries.

DIY – Spring Nail Trends

It can be hard to keep your nails looking fresh and trendy, as some of the newest styles seem crazy complicated. If you’re anything like me, you’ll spend the majority of your magazine-leafing time thinking who on earth has the time to do that?!. So, for those of you who want to keep bang-on-trend, but don’t have the time for ridiculously fiddly nail art, here are a selection of the hottest nail trends that can be achieved with minimal effort on your part. What more could you want?

Dotty

Dotty nails look tricky and fiddly, but there are a couple of ways to achieve this super-snazzy look with minimal effort. Either just use a sharpie for those beautiful little dots, or if the colours don’t work for you, try dipping the end of a bobby pin in your nail varnish of choice. That way, you’ll have uniform, easily-applied dots. Go dotty for dots!

Simple stripe

It’s all about the stripes in nail art this season, and there are so many ways to pull off this look. All you need to use is some masking tape. Literally, that’s it. Try diagonal stripes or, for a more minimalist look, try a simple vertical stripe to one side of the nail.

Word art

This is absolutely one of the coolest nail art ideas I’ve ever seen. As an avid book-lover, I can’t wait to try this one myself! All you need are some small pieces of cut-up newspaper, some alcohol (vodka or gin work fine) and your base nail colour. It goes without saying that lighter colours work best here, as they’ll make the words show up most. Once your base colour is completely dry, just soak your newspaper pieces in the alcohol and apply to the nail. Hold them in place for a good minute, and when you peel the paper away the ink will have transferred to your nail. Awesome!

Mix it up

Something as simple as choosing a different colour for each nail can really freshen up your nail art look. This season, since

It’s spring, it’s all about the pastels, so choose a few nice shades and get painting. Can’t get much easier than that.

Fishnet nails

Fishnet nails look super-cool, and you can really have some fun with them. All you need is your nail polish (at least two colours) and a piece of fishnet – this can be taken from any old pair of fishnet tights you might have lying around. Once your base colour is totally dry, just lay the fishnet over the nail and apply the second colour. It generally works best if you dab at the nail rather than using strokes as you usually would, to make sure that the fishnet doesn’t move too much. Pull away the fishnet and you’re left with this amazing effect. Btw, it works with lace, too!

So get creative this spring with your nails. Even if you’ve never ventured into nail art before, give these five tried and tested methods a go and you’ll be on your way to salon-beautiful, creative and fun, fresh nails.

Hair Care: Healthy Diet Is More Important Than Expensive Hair Products

Many girls keep complaining that they are using expensive products for their hair, but still hair looks dull and lifeless. The thing is not just products are going to do you any favor, you need to add vitamin, lean proteins and iron rich food to your diet so that your hair gets healthier from inside. You also need to make exercise a regular habit, workout at least 30 minutes a day and try to avoid carbonated drinks all together for healthier hair. So here are some important diet tips for healthier hair.

Diet

Eat whole grains at least a little bit every day, there are some young girls who avoid grains all together because they think it will make them fat, but whole grain is important for good hair, so it should be part of your diet.
You should take at least 6 portions of fruits and vegetables daily for the essential vitamins. Take seasonal fruits and avoid the canned ones. Also try to eat the vegetables as raw as possible or boiled, do not add too much salt, oil, or spice.
If you suffer from extreme hair loss then you can try to go for protein rich diets for sometimes, it prevents the hair loss. Try eating eggs, fish or skin free chicken every day.
Take dry fruits, nuts, flex seeds as snacks and oats with milk as a breakfast.
Omega 3 and Vitamin C make your hair shiny, so take Oranges, avocadoes, fish, tomatoes daily.
Avoid fad diets, it causes hair loss.
Give up smoking, it is neither good for your hair or heart.
Stress is bad for your hair, try yoga and meditation on an empty stomach.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.

Follow these steps and you will have healthy hair day by day.

The Dos and Donts of Wearing A Sari

To my mind, nothing is sexier than a well-draped sari. The six yards of cloth, when styled with care, exudes elegance like no other piece does. Having said that, this ensemble is all about paying attention to the details. If you fail to do so, the beauty of the sari will turn to shambles. The next time you decide to sport a sophisticated sari on a special occasion, keep these nifty dos and don’ts in mind to avoid a fashion faux pas or worse.

Do Experiment With Different Draping Styles

Wearing a sari for the first time can be intimidating. You are constantly worried about your pleats falling out and your pallu flying all over the place, amongst other things. Once you are comfortable and confident in a sari, you should definitely explore different styles of draping to up the ante. I love the butterfly style, which is great for showing off your toned tummy, and the lehenga style, which adds a celebratory vibe to the look.

Don’t Wear Your Sari Too Low

The biggest mistake that many people make when sporting a sari is tying their petticoat too low, or not tying it tightly enough, which results in it falling over the course of the night. This takes away from the entire sophistication of the ensemble. The beauty of a sari is that it shows subtle slivers of skin without being in-your-face about it. Ladies, let the beautiful garment do its job. Simply put, saris that are draped too low are eyesores. Avoid this no-no at all cost.

Do Think About Your Accessories

Have no doubt that saris are a fashion statement in their own right; however, adding an embellishment or two can really take your outfit to the next level. The key to accessorizing this look is to focus on pieces that do not take away from the glamour of the sari, but add to it. If you are wearing a heavily embroidered sari, stick to simple earrings and a clutch that matches the base colour of the garment. Simpler saris can be spiced up with a bold statement necklace or sparkly earrings. Spend some time thinking about how you would like to accessorize to avoid a haphazard look.

Do Not Allow Any Embarrassing Peek-A-Boos

Unless you are an expert (and to be honest, most of us are not), you are bound to use some helping tools like safety pins and double-sided tape to keep your sari in place throughout the night. It is never – I repeat, never – okay for these titbits to show. When draping your sari, make sure that you conceal all of the safety pins to avoid any mortifying moments like the time that Kareena Kapoor sported a black blouse with a safety pin sticking out of it. Sneak peaks of your bra straps are really not cool either!

With this advice in your mind, having an absolute blast whilst styling and wearing your sari. Stick a broad smile on your face and you will be ready to take the night by a storm!

The Lakme Fashion Week Diaries #Day 5, March 21

The fourth day of the Lakme Fashion Week 2015 was the most exciting of all with a range of mesmerizing collections gracing the ramp. It was a day of continual fashion successes with each designer bringing something new, striking and admirable to the mix. Here’s what you need to know about day four of LWF 2015:

Variety is the Spice of LFW

Each collection was so distinctive and unique that the versatility of the Indian fashion industry was vividly on display. The show began with a bridal collection – “The Royal Courtyard” by Anushree Redd and the rich, ethnic accents glimpsed here were similarly exploited in the designs by Kanikka Salluja and Payal Singhal, modelled later that day. Several designers such as Arpita Mehta, Rimi Nayak and Surya Sarkar presented mono-chromatic collections which experimented with styles and fabrics, albeit in the same colour. There was snazzy, wild eclecticism as well, brought in with the collections by Ken Ferns, Urvashi Joneja and the Pankaj and Nidhi collection by Omtex. This evening was undeniably a celebration of the diversity in Indian aesthetic sensibilities.

Special Mentions

While all designers won much applause from the enthralled audience, some collections made a special mark. Anushree Reddy’s bridal-wear, with its traditional silhouettes and soft, feminine fabrics was quite a hit. Rimi Nayak’s “Unchartered Land” which presented a commendable fusion of varied styles in shades of blue was well-appreciated too. Nishka Lulla’s fuss-free-fashion mantra, encapsulated in the showcased summer-wear is sure to define this season’s wardrobe essentials. Finally, Parul Bhargava’s “Midnight in Paris” which lit up the Jabong stage with elegant, timeless outfits, created a subtle yet unforgettable stir.

The Celebs Spotted

On this day, there were just too many celebs going about, though it was the clothes that actually took centre-stage. The earliest celebrity spottings included Ileana D’Cruz and Anajana Sukhani who walked the ramp for Anushree Reddy and Anjali Patel Mehta respectively. Kalki Koechlin was the showstopper for Nishka Lulla, while Neha Dhupia modelled for Sonu Dharnidharka. The most impressive however, was Lolo aka Bollywood diva Karishma Kapoor’s appearance in Neha Agarwal’s show. And last but not the least, Kunal Rawal’s collection got an extra dose of sizzle with Arjun Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor donning the designer’s outfits. This was one star-studded evening, teeming with celebs!

While this is all for day 5, the grand finale is yet to come. Keep watching for the scoop on Day 6 of LFW 2015!

The Lakme Fashion Week Diaries #Day 3, March 19, 2015

It comes as no surprise that the LFW 2015 gets better and better with every passing day. And its third evening was devoted to Indian Handlooms and Textiles, making it a most awaited event, especially since the fashion industry has been big on such revivalist styles these past couple of years. The day was everything one wanted and more, with many established and upcoming designers showcasing their unique collections. Here’s what wowed audiences on the 19^th of March:

Be Indian, Wear Indian

A bounty of 13 collections by varied fashion labels, each reinventing traditional Indian fabrics in their own distinctive way, left the glamour world abuzz with excitement. The show opened with designer-wear by Divya Sheth, Ujjawal Dubey and Mayank Anand and Shraddha Nigam, modelled on the ramp in The Ballroom of Mumbai’s chic 5 Star property, Palladium Hotel. A mesmerising mix of fabrics, colours, styles and innovations, inspired by different regional handloom traditions, created a visual treat for onlookers matching up to all expectations. Mulmul clothing stole the show, with 8 designers giving it primacy in their collections, bringing to life, Harper Bazaar’s “Bazaar Inspires” initiative (which aims at spreading awareness about indigenous textiles). What a wonderful tribute to India’s rich heritage!

The Stand-Outs

Some collections stood out as Fashion’s very best. Divya Sheth’s “Sultana on Safari”, which used eco-organic fabrics like pure home spun khadi, silk and silk chiffon, etc, made quite an impression on onlookers. Shruti Sancheti’s “Nomadistaan” collection also created quite a stir with its non-conformist, eclectic approach to textile and stylistic combinations. And Kiran Uttam Ghosh’s show offered a futuristic fusion of global styles and Indian textiles – this collection will undoubtedly define the biggest high-couture trends this season. Further, casual menswear by Killer, which presented the snazzy “This is Us” collection was quite eye-catchy with pop colours and cutting-edge styles.

Stars Shinning Bright

Another night of celebrity sightings on the ramp came the audiences’ way on the third day of LSW 2015. While the graceful and stunning Vidhya Balan was the showstopper for Gaurang Shah, pretty belle Shraddha Kapoor walked the ramp for Miss Bennet London. Irfan Pathan stole the limelight at the Easies and Killer show, in the aftermath of a scintillating musical performance by actress and VJ Sarah Jane Dias.

All in all, it was a proud day for the Indian Fashion Industry, which dished out its unique sartorial creed with much panache and success. Keep following us to know what makes it to the fashion headlines next!

How to Find the Right Sunglasses for Your Face

When it comes to choosing sunglasses, you might find that the ones you like on other people don’t work for you. Perhaps you’ve spent hours trying on different variations of different shapes without really knowing what you’re going for. Fret not, sun-loving ladies, for here is your guide to identifying your face shape and finding those perfect sunnies to flatter you beyond belief.

Oval faces

Oval is the most common face shape for women. Fortunately for oval-faced ladies, pretty much all sunglass shapes will suit you, so you can really have some fun with it. A few options that you might like to try out initially to see what styles you most like are round, cat-eye, rectangle, aviator, oval and butterfly frames. You’re looking for something that fits your face well, doesn’t get stuck on your cheeks or brow (sometimes this can be tricky if you have full cheeks or a prominent brow line) and that rests comfortably on your nose. When it comes to searching for that flattering shape, though, the sunglass world is your oyster, so to speak.

Square faces

If your face is square, you will have a prominent, sharp jawline and hairline to match, with generally angular features. Some of the best shaped sunglasses for you will be oval, cat-eye, round, aviator, wrap and butterfly frames. Curvier frames will suit you best to offset those angular features, so avoid rectangular and wayfarer framed sunglasses, or it might all look a little bit too harsh. Think soft, feminine and curvy for sunglasses that soften your features.

Round faces

Round faces work in pretty much the opposite way to square faces. Round-faced ladies will want sunglasses that are more angular and geometric to create an elongating appearance on your face. A few frame shapes to try are oval, round, rectangle, wrap and wayfarer. You may wonder why round and oval glasses are on the list since you want to counterbalance the natural roundness of your face, but the geometry of these frames will make your face appear longer, therefore offsetting your facial roundness.

Heart-shaped faces

Heart-shaped faces are classically pretty and, of course, you want to make the most of and highlight your natural beauty. If you have a heart-shaped face, you will have a pointed chin and hairline, with a smooth curve to the sides of your face. You want to look for flashier frames to give a striking appearance, highlighting the beauty of your face shape as well as offsetting the sweetness ever so slightly. A few frame shapes to try out would be round, cat-eye, semi-rimless and rimless frames, aviator and butterfly frames. These will draw attention to your striking features and add a touch of masculinity to your natural super-femininity.

So, now the sun’s tentatively peaking out, get shopping and find the perfect sunglasses for you. Trust us, come Winter again your main woe will be that you have to put away your favourite sunny-Gs.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry Sulfureuse Review

As I mentioned in one of recent post covering my fav. Pink color lipsticks that Revlon Colorburst Sultry Sulfureuse is one of my fav. Lip colors, I felt like I should write its detailed review for you all. This lip color is very versatile, suitable for both office outfits and casual outings, which is why it sits right in front on my makeup counter.

A subtle pink shade that doesn’t look gaudy, it gives great pigmentation which is perfect for me. You see, my lips are pigmented and hence for me to wear light colors, I usually have to use more than one coat for light colors. But with this brilliant Revlon lipstick, I just need one swipe and I’m done!

So here’s how this lipstick feels on my lips: it has is matte in texture and can easily hide my lip pigmentation. It doesn’t dry out my lips much and has a good lasting power – it stayed on beyond 4 hours. And even after that it left a light stain on my lips and didn’t get patchy at all. I like matte lip colors more than others but often keep away from them as they tend dry out my lips. But with this lip color range I can say that flaky lips are never going to be an issue.

Other than this, the color is a great variant of pink which would work with almost every skin color. This entire range of Revlon lipsticks is pretty awesome for it has a slight mint fragrance, which to me feels very refreshing and invigorating, especially in the morning. But of course, this is more a matter of individual opinion.

I have recently also bought another color (Elusive) from this range and will be posting a review for that color soon as well. To sum up how I feel about this lipstick:

Pros:

Matte texture
High pigmentation
Lasts between 4-5 hours
Minty smell
Suits every skin color

Cons:

Maybe a bit drying as its Matte

Price in India : Rs 800
Price in UK: £7.99

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Review

You would know from my previous posts that these days I am all into nighttime skin recovery products. And that’s because the science suggests that your night regimen is very important. There is much evidence that skin cells regenerate faster at night than during the day. Cell division happens throughout the day, but peaks around 2 am. This is literally renewal and rejuvenation during sleep, at least for people like me who are dreaming away at these late hours. Though the peak in cell division happens even if you stay awake at night, but the surge in growth hormone doesn’t. The latter is necessary for effective skin renewal.

You now probably understand my fascination with nighttime skin products; it’s more scientific than cosmetic!

Now, I recently got my hands on Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I have already tried Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque. Personally I trust Kiehl’s to come out with all the right products – clearly I am a big fan. I do admit the products end up being a bit expensive sometimes, but my mantra is that you need to care for your skin and use good quality products right from the beginning; not when signs of damage start glaring at you in the mirror for then it’s quite late. I thus don’t mind splurging on such products one in a while, but only after doing my research. I can’t simply go out and buy products blindly off the counter (well, sometimes maybe, but only sometimes!) – I need to know I’m making the right choice.

Coming to this product, I can assure you, it does what it says. I have been using it for a week now, and from day 1, I could feel a gradual improvement in my skin texture. My skin looks more dewy and glowing now. The product is very light and absorbs quickly on my skin.

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate 2 Here is a picture for you to see how my hand looks after I have applied the serum on. Other than a nice sheen you wouldn’t see any difference.

One other thing about this serum is the nice smelling fragrance it gives off. To me it smells like roses; I feel fresh and pampered each time I apply it. I somehow even sleep better with this on, but maybe that’s just due to my mind being at peace about my skin being well-cared for as I snooze.

Here’s my quick take on Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

Pros:

Light in texture
Easily absorbed
Nice fragrance
Works – improvement in skin quality

Con:

Pricey but lasts long time

Price in India: Rs 3200/30ml
Price in UK: £36/30ml

Lehenga Styles in Trend for 2015

With wedding bells just round the corner, every bride-to-be begins the hunt for her dream lehenga. Make no mistake, she has been planning this one outfit, whether secretly or otherwise, for a long, long time.

But often what happens is that when the moment of choice finally arrives, it is somewhat anticlimactic. She is overwhelmed at the vast plethora of fabrics, cuts and colours she needs to choose between. If you are facing a similar situation – looking for the perfect wedding outfit and just so confused – this might help: the who’s who of fashion have decided what will make you the beautiful blushing bride and here are the lehenga styles trending high in 2015.

Traditional Ghagaras:

The classic lehenga style – with a pleated, flared, voluminous skirt – ghagaras never go out of fashion. They remain popular in 2015 too. Cinched at the waist, often with elaborate detailing there matching the skirt border – these appear graceful on every body type. Go in for a traditional ghagara if you want to look like the quintessential Indian bride.

Lehengas with Jacket:

These comprise of a lehenga bottom and choli, topped with a long jacket with either heavy work or a netted bodice. Spotted often in Manish Malhotra’s collections, these jacketed lehengas look regal and runway ready. For those who are heavily into high couture, these would be a good option.

Banarasi Lehanga Choli:

Lehengas on silky material with ample work in gold and ivory tones are also appearing recurrently in bridal fashion. They offer a rich, feminine look, which is great for brides-to-be who are more conventional in their tastes.

Anarkali Lehengas and Lehenga Gowns:

Both these styles represent a fusion of different forms of traditional Indian clothing. Anarkali lehengas have an almost floor-length anarkali-cut top, covering a flared skirt at the bottom. Lehenga gowns are typically floor-length gowns fashioned with ethnic cuts and embroidery to mimic the look of classic lehenga. Both these styles would suit the modern Indian bride who is confident in her unconventional, experimental tastes.

Lehenga Sari:

Another fusion of two distinct forms of Indian ethnic-wear, the lehenga sari is essentially a three piece garment – the choli is separate while the legenga-bottom wraps around the waist and the dupatta is draped like a pallu. The lehenga sari looks like a sari, sans the pleats. Overall, it creates an elegant and deceptively simple feel – perfect for the minimalist bride.

A-Line Lehengas:

In this type of lehenga, the skirt retains a somewhat conical shape, forming an ‘A’. This is a clean cut which is best for thick materials and heavy embroideries. Thus, velvet lehengas or full-length zardozi panels are made with the A-line silhouette; naturally, these never go out of fashion either. They are most suitable for the bride of fine tastes, who wants to have a most fancy, elaborate lehenga.

Choosing the Perfect Spring-Summer Perfume

With Spring rapidly approaching, now is as good a time as any to treat yourself to a brand new fragrance. Every girl loves having that signature scent that reminds everyone of her, but if you’re thinking about branching out this season, there are a few things you may want to consider before shopping for your new Spring/Summer perfume to ensure that you get the right scent, not only for the season, but for you personally.

Price

We hate to be the voice of reason (really, we do) but perfume can be pretty pricey. It’s absolutely worth having a budget in mind before you hit the shops, or else you may find yourself falling desperately in love with a scent that you simply cannot afford. Good perfumes range from about Rs 2500 – Rs 9000 (£30-£100), so there’s plenty of room to find something top-notch that fits within your budget.

Base notes

Now for the good stuff. The Spring/Summer season is all about floral and citrus tones, but these are generally used as top notes, so you need to think about the base notes that you think suit you best. Woody and oriental notes are the most common groups of base notes used in perfumery, and what you go for is all down to personal preference. If you prefer lighter fragrances, the woody notes are for you, whereas if you’re after something a little darker, more intense and sultry, explore those oriental scents.

Top notes

Once you’ve got your base notes sorted, you can move onto those truly Springtime fresh and floral notes. Again, floral notes suit a certain type of person whereas the fresh, citrusy scent suits another. Floral notes are, of course, typically feminine, so if you’re a girly girl, go for these. If you fancy something a little less sickly, however, go for those fresh notes. Here, you can choose between ultra-fresh green notes, aquatic notes or sharp citrus notes.

Where do you live?

This may seem like an odd thing to consider, but where you live should actually have a real baring on how strong a fragrance you opt for. If you live in a city and spend a good amount of your time with lots of people, for example on public transport or in a busy office, you don’t want to go for a fragrance that is too invasive. Here, woody notes paired with fresh notes work particularly well. If you live in a more rural area, however, or don’t have a busy commute every day, you can be far freer with the fragrance you pick.

So there you have it. Ask yourself how much you want to spend, think about the base notes and top notes that best suit you, and remember to consider how invasive or strong and lingering a fragrance will fit with your lifestyle. Happy shopping! We hope it’s love at first smell.

Image from : Shutterstock