Shradha Bhatia, Author at FashionForRoyals

48 Hours in Florence

With summer around the corner, it’s time to start planning your vacation. If you haven’t visited the beautiful Italian city of Florence, I’d highly recommend paying a visit, because you will fall head-over-heels in love with it. Florence, also known as Firenze, is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, which is famous for many things, including Tuscan wine. The best part about this city is that you don’t need to spend a lot of time in it to have a Florentine experience – forty-eight hours are more than enough.

To make the most of your trip, try to reach the city by late morning or early afternoon at the latest. Start your day with a tasty brunch at Trattoria Mario, a small but homely restaurant serving up fresh, Tuscan soul food. But remember, try to get there as early as possible, because the best dishes usually disappear quickly! And you don’t want to miss them.

Once you’ve fuelled up, rent out a bicycle from the many stores around, and explore the city on two wheels. You can cycle around the Duomo de Firenze (park your bicycle and have a stroll inside the cathedral to be wowed by beautiful, Renaissance architecture) and Palazzo Pitti, which is a short distance from Ponte Vecchio. If you’re a fashion-fiend, you should definitely make a pitstop at Museo Gucci, a small but interesting museum covering the history of the Gucci brand, and showcasing some of their most iconic pieces. Then, make your way over to Piazza San Spirito for a quick break and a sharp Negroni – a strong but scrumptious cocktail that originated in Florence.

As the sun starts to set, make your way over to Piazza Michelangelo. It’s a tiring trek to the top, but the stunning views of the city as the sun sets are definitely worth it. You can grab a drink and dinner at the piazza, or make your way back to the city centre instead. Given that Florence is a student city, the nightlife is always on-point. Flo’ Lounge Bar, Tenax and The Blob Club are popular hotspots, but feel free to wander around and stumble into a club that catches your eye. Once you’ve had enough of dancing, head over to the secret bakery that is in an alley off Via de’ Neri if all that dancing has made you hungry – it’s a bit difficult to find, especially at three in the morning, but the tasty baked treats will make up for it, I promise. If you get lost, find a local to ask for help – they are always very friendly and helpful.

Sleep in the next day – because what’s a vacation without catching up on some shut-eye? Once you’ve had breakfast, make your way over to the Galleria de Academia and feast your eyes on the masterpiece that is the David statue by Michelangelo. Next, I recommend spending the day indulging in Tuscan wine through an organised tour. There are many operators that you can book a wine tour through, and they typically take you to four or five vineyards, where you can sample fresh wine with delicious, homemade bread and juicy cold-cuts, as well as meet new people.

In the evening, freshen up and head over to Trattoria ZaZa for dinner – a dining experience that you cannot miss out on. Their pesto pasta is to-die-for, and their specialty truffle fries will probably be the best you ever have. Crack open a bottle of wine for the ultimate date night experience and a lovely ending to your forty-eight hours in Florence.

5 Healthy Food Substitutions for Better Hair and Skin

One of the easiest ways to embark on your journey to healthy living is to substitute unhealthy food items for healthy options that serve the same purpose. Not only does this technique ensure long-term wellness; it also has multiple benefits for your weight, hair, skin and nails. Wedding season is right around the corner and every one of us wants our hair and skin to be looking their very best – these five food substitutions are the way to go!

Glowing skin: avocado puree instead of butter in baking

Though both these fats are quite different in nature, they have pretty much the same consistency and work the same way when it comes to baking. Plus, the subtle taste of the avocado works really well in chocolate bakes like brownies and cakes! Avocado is loaded with antioxidants that help in repairing damaged skin and protecting it from the harmful rays of the sun. Lots of antioxidants also create a gorgeous glow, unlike anything that a bronzer can give you!

Healthy hair: cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips

Cacao nibs are loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals and all that good stuff! Needless to say, they have multiple benefits for your health and skin, but did you know that they work wonders on your hair, too? That’s right! The most important hair benefit is that cacao increases the blood circulation in your scalp, which promotes hair growth and makes your tresses shiny and lustrous. On the flipside, it also minimizes the chances of hair fall. Win-win!

Softer skin: quinoa instead of oatmeal

Quinoa is a grain seed that is really, really good for you, which is why this super food has sprung into the limelight this year. It works as a really good substitute for oatmeal – just cook it with milk and add a dash of cinnamon. Quinoa is loaded with riboflavin, a vitamin that helps in restoring elasticity in your skin, making it soft and supple. It also prevents fine lines and wrinkles from developing prematurely.

Hair growth: chia seeds instead of cornflakes

Chia seeds are another type of super food that are loaded with protein and a host of other health benefits! Not only do they taste absolutely amazing when soaked in almond milk – they are also much healthier than your usual bowl of cornflakes, and they keep you full for longer, so your snacking tends to reduce. More importantly, chia seeds are made up of a lot of protein, which helps in restoring damaged hair, encourages hair growth and strengthens weak tresses. After all, our hair is primarily made up of protein, too.

Revitalised skin: lettuce instead of regular tortilla wraps

Apart from the huge number of calories that you are saving on, lettuce also works miracles on the skin. It can do a lot of things – fight acne, remove toxins, protect your skin from UV rays and give your skin cells the nutrition they need. Additionally, lettuce is great for revitalising damaged or tired skin because of its high vitamin A content. Give it a shot and say hello to healthier skin!

An Easy Routine For Great Eyebrows – Daily Tips

Every woman was not born with thick and shapely eyebrows, but every woman can have them if she wants. And why wouldn’t she?! While eyebrows have not received as much attention as they deserve until very recently, I firmly believe that they can make or break your look. It might look complicated but do not fret – all you need is ten minutes and a little bit of patience.

Start with eyebrows that have been shaped the way you like them. You can thread, wax of tweeze, depending on how much hair you want to remove and your tolerance for pain. I prefer to thread my eyebrows, because gives me more control over the shape that I want to create and the resulting finish is very clean.

You should always make sure that your eyebrows are dry and clean before you begin to fill them in. For starters, grab a fresh spoolie brush and brush the hairs of your eyebrows upward so that you can identify the uneven spots that may need some more attention than others. Now, use an eyebrow pencil that is one shade lighter than your natural brow colour to fill in your brows using short and light strokes that look like the natural brow hairs. Keep your hand as light as possible to achieve a natural look. At this stage, the “filling in” should not be very evident. The mistake that many women make is picking a shade that matches their natural brow colour exactly. This makes the eyebrows look very stark – and not in a good way! A pencil that is one or two shades lighter is definitely the way to go.

Next, grab a pressed powder in the same colour as the pencil. It’s time for some extra definition! Use an angled brush to create a sharper shape for your brows, but avoid making the ends to pointy. Make sure to dust off any excess powder from the brush before applying, so that you don’t end up over-filling. Again, delicate strokes are key. Now, grab the spoolie again and brush your brows to blend the pencil and powder perfectly. If you are happy with the look, proceed to the next step. If not, blend, blend, blend!

To set the look in place and make sure that your brows stay fabulous all day long, use a clear eyebrow gel. Again, ensure that you dust off any excess product to avoid a crusty and crispy finish. Finally, dust a little bit of loose powder around your eyebrows to complete the look. If you still crave some more definition, you can blend a bit of concealer around them to get the shape that you desire. Add a tinge of highlighter below your brow bone for a beautiful glow and you are good to go, girl!

Nail Polish Trends For Fall/Winter 2015

After seeing a plethora of nude nail polish shades gaining popularity during the spring and summer months, the fall and winter period brings a different kind of nail polish colour palette with it – one that is more intense, more mysterious and more sexy. I have snapped up every single one of these shades for my favourite time of the year, and I suggest that you do the same!

Wine Hues

A darker take on the classic bright red, deep wine shades are all the rage for the upcoming months and I strongly suggest that you jump on this bandwagon as soon as possible. This bold shade looks absolutely beautiful on edgy square nails and can instantly pull together a casual outfit. Plus, it goes really well with stacked gold rings, which are my favourite accessory right now!

Navy Blue

Have no doubt that black nail polish will never go out of style (as someone once said, “I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker colour!”) but sometimes, you just need a little more glamour. In this case, a silky navy blue shade does the trick and brings a little more depth to the table than a good old black shade.

Forest Green

When it comes to dark nail colours, forest green is not a popular choice, but I can slowly see this gaining popularity as a fresh take on traditional dark shades. Look for a shade that makes you think of a gorgeous, mysterious and shimmering emerald – Racing Green by Butter London is one of my favourite options.

Deep Grey

Grey has become really popular this year, because it is fresh and contemporary whilst still retaining an element of bold mystery. I love the way that Jin Soon added some details to a plain grey nail with a thin navy blue strip at the Prabal Gurung Fall 2015 show, but if you cannot be bothered with accents, plain grey nails work really well too. I reckon that short to medium length nails are the way to go with grey.

5 Tips For Buying The Perfect Lehenga

Whether you are finally getting married or simply attending the ceremony, finding and buying the perfect lehenga is a very tough and time-consuming task. With so many different boutiques, colours, cuts and styles available, how do you find the one?

Start With A Budget

These beautiful desi two pieces are available in pretty much every price range, starting from super affordable to super, super luxury. In order to streamline your search, you should always have a price in mind before you begin. This makes it easier to make purchase choices and avoid heartbreak when you fall in love with a piece that is way out of your budget.

Buy What Fits Now

Most brides are guilty of this problem – buying lehengas that do not fit them today in the hope that they will lose weight before their big day and then fit into them. This is a major no-no, ladies! You should be prepared for all possible circumstances, which is why you should always buy a lehenga that fits you today, right now. Ask your seamstress to leave some extra room on the inside so that it can be adjusted if you gain or lose weight. Voila!

Figure Out What You Like

As I said earlier, when it comes to Indian wear, the offering is so vast that it can be very difficult to figure our what you like and what looks good on you. Instead of jumping into an ocean of endless styles, figure out a couple of cuts that suit your body type and make you feel like a queen. If you find yourself stuck at this step, speak to an expert and spend some time online. Go into your hunt with three to four styles (maximum!) in mind.

Trust Your Gut

When it comes to the big fat Indian wedding, everyone seems to have something to say. I firmly believe that you should only take advice from somebody your trust – your mother, your sister or your best friend – and no one else. Above all, remember that it is your outfit and your body, so you should trust your gut entirely. If you don’t feel comfortable in a certain ensemble, don’t buy it. Ultimately, it is your decision and no one else’s.

Think About Your Accessories

Remember that a lehenga is not worn in isolation but with a host of accessories like jewelry, shoes and a handbag. If you already have these in place, it is a good idea to take them with you on your shopping trips to ensure that the outfit you choose matches with your accessories. Even if you don’t bring the rest, make sure that you have the shoes in place (or shoes of a similar height and style) so that you can see how the skirt of the lehenga will fall when you wear it.

Finally, remember to have fun! After all, isn’t that what fashion is all about?

5 Tips For Online Shopping

Online shopping is definitely one of my favourite hobbies at the moment – fashion delivered to your doorstep? Yes, please! I know that many women tend to find the entire concept of buying something without seeing and touching it quite strange but once you wrap your head around the idea, you will wonder how you ever did without! To make your venture into the wonderful world of online shopping much easier, I have compiled five helpful tips that will help you ensure that you get the bang for your buck!

Do Your Research

Contrary to what most people think and do, I believe that it is really important to start your online shopping with an hour or two of research. Fine-tune exactly what you are looking for so that you can make easy comparisons without any confusion! I love using product and price comparison sites to help me scope everything that is available on one page – try them, sometime!

Know Your Numbers

It sounds quite obvious but the number of ladies who purchase items online by simply “guessing” their size is way too high. Usually, you can return the item but if you cannot, then you’re stuck and your money has gone down the drain. You should know your measurements (as opposed to size) because different brands have different sizing. Before you select the size, make sure that you check their guide – even if you are always a small on ASOS. Trust me.

Check The Shipping Fees

Have you ever been in a situation where you have found the perfect item at the perfect price, you throw it in your basket, hit order and then realize that the shipping cost is more than the item itself? I have. Sales and discounts are really quite ineffective if you have to pay massive shipping fees so try to shop at e-stores that offer minimum to zero fees.

Look For Deals

I am a sucker for anything that allows me to save a few dollars so I am always on the hunt for good deals and there are simply a bunch of them available online at any given time. I know that constant emails from online stores can be annoying, but if you are subscribed to their mailing list, you will usually be the first one to know about their sales and deals. It is also a good idea to look for promotional codes and shop through cash back websites to save a little bit more.

Always Check The Return Policy

Never place your order without getting the low-down on the return policy first. Unless you are one hundred and ten per cent sure that the item will fit like it should and is exactly what you want, try to shop on websites that enable easy returns because trust me when I say that some of them can be really frustrating and give you a really hard time!

Help: What Should I Gift My Bridesmaids?!

Your bridesmaids will undoubtedly be some of the most important people at your wedding. The tradition of brides giving their best girls a special gift on the big day has been around for years; however, deciding what to give your bridesmaids is a tedious task in its own right! To make your job easier (after all, as a bride, you’ve already got so many things on your plate), we’ve compiled a list of some fun gift ideas that every bridesmaid will love.

Monograms

The idea behind this gift is to make the girl who is receiving it feel very special and valued. What better way to do that than through a gift that is personalised and feels super luxurious, even if it doesn’t cost a lot? Monogrammed bathrobes are always a good idea as are monogrammed silk pyjamas or gorgeous scarves. This is a gift that will be used often and remembered forever! Plus, there is always a sense of pride in showing off your monogram.

Pamper Her

I have never met a girl who does not love to pamper herself. To say a huge thank you to your bridesmaids for being there through the whole affair and dealing with your bridezilla tantrums, give your girls the opportunity to indulge in a feel-good pamper session that will put a smile on their face and help them feel rejuvenated after the celebrations. Think about a gift certificate for a high-end spa or a hair and beauty makeover at the salon. Hello, indulgence!

Think Different

Everyone loves to receive gifts that are truly different so think about gifting your ladies a standout item that they would not consider buying for themselves. One-of-a-kind handmade chocolates, a piece of personalised jewellery, a gourmet gift hamper with decadent items like caviar or even a bottle of a hard-to-find wine are really great ideas.

Spark Her Interest

Another great way to personalise a gift for your bridesmaids is to play off their individual interests and passions. For example, you could gift a fitness fanatic a set of good gym wear whilst you could give your green-fingered girl a box of gardening tools. Think about the individual interest of each bridesmaid and gift her something that will help her take it further. Not only will they absolutely love their special gifts; it will also show that you really know your numero uno girls.

Three Important Healthy Habits For Brides-To-Be

Every bride wants to look absolutely stunning on her big day, whether that involves toning up their body, losing weight or improving the appearance of their skin. Of course, the run up to your wedding is probably one of the most stressful times in your life, but you cannot let the madness get to you! Ladies, as wedding season rolls around once again, here are some healthy tips that you should practice to ensure that you are looking and feeling great on the best day of your life!

Quit Caffeine

One of the easiest ways to trim down is to eliminate any form of caffeine from your diet – and yes, that does include green tea! Caffeine is the prime culprit behind bloating and you definitely do not want to look bloated on your wedding day. Replace your caffeine intake with fresh juices – not only will they give you energy; they are loaded with good stuff that does wonders for your skin and hair! You should also start drinking more water to purify your system and flush out the antioxidants – I recommend at least eight glasses a day, starting with a mug of warm water and lemon when you wake up. Hello, gorgeous skin!

Control Your Portions

More often than not, extreme dieting is pointless. All that skimping and saying no to yourself will make you want to binge later. Instead, reduce your portion sizes so that you can still eat your favourite foods without going overboard. Another trick is to eat very slowly so that you give your body time to process how hungry it is. When we eat quickly, we tend to eat more than our body really needs to fill up. If you feel stuffed after eating, you have definitely gone too far!

Change Your Lifestyle

Use your wedding as an excuse to change your lifestyle for the better. At the end of the day, how you look and feel really boils down to the way you live. In the run up to your wedding, quit or reduce your alcohol intake. Not only does alcohol cause bloating like caffeine; most drinks are chock-a-block with calories that can take days to burn off. You would rather not go down that path! At this point, you should also incorporate a little bit of exercise into your routine. You don’t need to get a specialized trainer, but try to be active at least four times a week. You can think about little changes too – take the stairs instead of the life or walk to the store instead of taking your car. Baby steps!

5 Ways To Get Rid Of Blackheads

I am sure that all of you will agree with me when I say that blackheads are the bane of every girl’s existence and unfortunately, getting rid of them requires regular treatment and a lot of patience. After years of dealing with these pesky things (mainly on my nose), I think it is safe to say that I have tried and tested all of the techniques out there. If you want to get rid of your own blackheads, these five methods are great! Try them one at a time or all together.

Clay Masks

I find clay masks to be very effective in keeping my skin clear and getting rid of blackheads. Most major brands will have some offering in the clay mask category and you can even make your own with one tablespoon of betonite clay and water. My favourite product is the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask by The Body Shop. So good!

Homemade Pore Strips

More often than not, the pore strips sold at supermarkets are terrible and really do not do anything to solve your blackhead situation. One of my friends introduced me to a homemade version last year and I have not looked back since! All you need a clean strip of cotton, one teaspoon of milk and one tablespoon of organic honey. Mix the honey and milk together (warm the mixture in the microwave for ten seconds to make it easier). Apply a thin layer to your affected area and then pat the cotton strip on top of it. Let it dry for 10 minutes and then peel the strip off. Voila!

Use Toner

Many ladies tend to skip using a toner but I find that it is very effective in keeping your pores tight and clean. Use your toner about four times a week after you wash your face and before you moisturize. The results are mind blowing!

Break A Sweat

Clogged pores cause blackheads so breaking a sweat can actually help to clean the pores and minimize the appearance of blackheads. You could do this by squeezing some exercise into your routine or just treating yourself to a spa once in a while. Plus, it will make your skin glow like a diamond! Win-win.

Orange Peel

Citrus fruits are known for their skin benefits and the dried peel of an orange is a great way to rid yourself of blackheads. Use the dried peel to scrub the affected area everyday and you will begin to notice the effect in no time!

How To Make Your Pout Look Plumper (Without Fillers!)

Like most women, I absolutely crave lips that are plump and full; however, I am not the biggest fan of lip fillers and the like (no matter how great Kylie Jenner’s smackers may look!) There are a lot of clever ways to make your lips look plumper than they are without harming your body. All you need is your regular lip makeup and a couple of extra minutes. Read on to find out more!

An easy way to achieve a naturally amped up effect is to opt for a shiny finish over a matte one. The light will bounce off the shiny surface and create an illusion of plumper lips. If you can’t do without your matte lipstick, finish off your lip routine with a swipe of clear lip gloss, which has the same effect. I like to apply clear gloss to only the centre of my pout for a bold effect. When it comes to your lips, drama is a good thing.

Another trick that I like to use is to line my lips using a nude lip liner. This is one of the easiest and oldest tricks in the book to enlarge your pout. I love the natural finish that nude lip liner provides, enabling you to sport this look on a daily basis.

If you’re feeling bold, you can use a coloured liner to overdraw your smackers. Find a liner that matches your lipstick (or just use the liner to fill them in later) and draw your lips slightly outside of their natural line, while following their shape. Fill them in completely, using translucent powder to set the products in place and you are good to go. Take it a step further by lining the outside of your overdrawn lips with concealer and watch your pout take the spotlight!

There are a lot of ways that you can play with your Cupid’s Bow (the centre of your top lip) to achieve a superstar pout, too. If you feel like going au naturel, simply dab a tiny bit of highlighter onto your Cupid’s Bow for some drama, and finish off the look with your trusty lip balm or clear gloss. For the days that you want to sport a coloured lip, define your Cupid’s Bow by drawing an X at the centre of your upper lip with liner. Apply your lipstick as normal and say hello to luscious lips for the day!

Finally, remember that darker shades will always make your lips look smaller than they are so opt for light or vibrant hues to make your job easier.

Kisses!

How To Sweat Proof Your Makeup

When the heat is beating down outside, maintaining a perfectly made up face can be really hard. Runny mascara and a patchy face is simply not a good look for anyone. Lucky for you, I have picked up many tips and tricks in the time that I have spent in India, many of which I regularly use to help me overcome the Mumbai heat. The next time it is scorching hot outside, try out one of these handy tips to save your makeup!

01. Always opt for long-lasting formulas that will not budge from your face. Because these products tend to be thicker than your average, mix them with a dollop of your facial moisturizer for easy application.

02. To prevent your eye shadow from creasing and looking tacky, make sure that you apply primer to your lids. It makes a world of difference!

03. Never leave the house without blotting papers to prevent that nasty shine that tends to develop in our oily spots after a couple of hours. Either that, or keep a nifty blotting powder on standby!

04. If you are going to wear mascara, it should not be anything by waterproof! It might be harder to remove than a normal formulation, but it is definitely worth the effort.

05. Take a chance and skip lipstick altogether. Instead, enhance your pout by treating it to some lip balm and a brush of highlighter in the center of your top lip.

06. Choose a cream blush over a powder blush for easy blending and a more natural look.

07. I would recommend using a tinted moisturizer instead of your regular foundation. If you simply cannot live without the latter, ensure that it is an oil-free one so that it does not clog your pores.

08. I am one of those girls who cannot live without a good eyeliner but when the temperature shoots up, you will not find me using anything but a reliable, long-lasting gel product. Do not even try to experiment with anything else.

09. When it comes to lipstick, matte ones are the way to go because they have an immense staying power and will definitely not melt off your face.

10. Before you start applying your makeup, set it in place with a makeup spray. You will instantly see the difference.

3 Exercises For Killer Skirt-Worthy Legs

When the weather is pleasant, I am all about wearing high-waist shorts, pretty floral dresses, sexy mini skirts and the works. This summer, I embarked on a fitness journey with a special focus on my legs so that I could wear my shorter numbers with the confidence of a superstar. Through this journey, I experimented with many regimes and exercise styles to find the ones that worked the best. Today, I present to you: three effective exercises for stunning skirt-worthy legs!

The Chair Squat

This is a great exercise for ladies who are still at the start of their fitness journey. All you need is a chair and yourself! Start by standing with your back facing the chair and your feet shoulder width apart. Now, tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly lower your booty towards the chair, stopping right before you can sit down. Raise your body back to its original position. Start with two sets of twenty repetitions and up the ante as your thighs become stronger.

The Basic Lunge

If you want your bikini body in place before the next summer is here, you had better add lunges to your workout routine. While this exercise is rather simple, it is absolutely important that you have the right posture and technique so that you don’t strain your muscles. Start in the standing position. Hold your upper body straight, push your shoulders back and keep your chin up. Now, step forward with one leg and lower your hips until your knees form a ninety-degree angle. Your forward knee should be right above your ankle, not pushed out beyond it, and the other knee should not touch the floor. Now, use your heels to push yourself back up into the starting position. When you feel comfortable with this technique, you can start adding weights to the routine.

The Leg Lift

This exercise might seem really easy at first, but once you feel the burn, you will know how hard it really is! You will need a chair for this. Start by standing upright and facing the chair. Let’s start with your right leg – lift your knee upward and place your heel on the chair. Now, raise your heel (and therefore leg) off the seat until you feel your quadriceps stretch. While your right leg is still in the air, bend your left leg slightly and then straighten it. Start with two sets of fifteen repetitions for each leg and add more as you get used to it.

Ladies, adhere to these three exercises like the gospel and you will start to notice changes within a fortnight. As they say – “train like a beast, look like a beauty!”

TLC For Your Precious Jewelry – Care Guide

Everyone loves the thought of owning beautiful, precious jewelry but how many of us truly take out the time to look after the pieces that we own? Not many, I’m sure, and certainly not as often as we should be. As someone who is extremely passionate about baubles of all shapes and sizes, I realize that it is important to give my pieces the TLC they need so that they continue to look fabulous in the years to come. If you are as clueless as I was a year ago, look no further!

Silver

This beautiful metal is one of the brightest of the lot, but also one of the most delicate, which means that it can get scratched and tarnished rather easily. The best way to look after silver pieces is to regularly clean them with a salt bath. Create a solution of hot water and salt, and then immerse your jewelry in the bowl for five to ten minutes. When you feel that the shine has returned, take it out and pat it dry with a microfiber cloth. Voila!

Gold

Gold is not quite as delicate as silver and most people say that you can never really “over clean” it. In a large bowl, mix equal quantities of hot water and dishwashing soap. Let your pieces soak in the mixture for a couple of hours, pull them out and then gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush to make them shine. You can do this as often as you like, but it is also a good idea to take your gold baubles to the jeweler every year for a quick steam and buff to amp up the shine factor.

Diamond

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and you had better treat your #bff right! For starters, try to touch your diamond as little as possible. I know it is very tempting to finger your rock but diamonds instantly attract the oils from your hand, which can make them look greasy. Like all precious jewelry, you must clean your stones every fortnight. Use a mild solution of warm water mixed with an ammonia-based household cleaner as a soak. Avoid the toothbrush method; simply dry your diamonds with a soft washcloth instead.

Pearls

Ladies, if you want your pearls to maintain their radiance, keep them away from makeup, perfume, hair spray and the likes. To do so, it is always a good idea to put your jewelry on after you have completed your hair and makeup routine. Since pearls tend to scratch easily, each piece must be kept in its own compartment. Unlike other jewelry, do not try to clean your pearls at home! If you feel like they do need some cleansing, take them to a professional for the best job.

What To Think About When Buying Your First Diamond Ring

The word around town is that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” and I am in complete agreement. Of course, this best friend does not come easy or cheap. After years of slaving away at work and saving up for your first big diamond purchase, it is only fair that you invest an equal amount of time into researching and thinking about the ring that you want to buy.

For starters, focus on the cut of your diamond. Even the highest quality of stone can look lackluster if it is not cut in a way that brings out its beauty. Spend time looking for a diamond that is cut so that it sparkles brilliantly. Get the help of an expert to find the right cut and grade of diamond to suit your budget and your dream ring.

When I was on the hunt for the perfect diamond for my first ring (a treat to myself after two years of working), I realized that the price of diamonds function increases tremendously at the half-carat and carat points. For example, a diamond of 0.9-carat will be significantly cheaper than a 1-carat diamond and the difference is not really visible to the naked eye. Think about sizing down, ladies!

Since this is your first ring and you want it to last you a lifetime, think about a shape that will help you stand out from the crowd today and tomorrow. Plus, the common round shape tends to be more expensive that others because of its popularity so opting for an alternate shape will actually reduce the cost as well. I really love oval and teardrop shaped diamonds and personally feel that they also look larger than the traditional round ones. You could also think about setting many smaller diamonds together in a beautiful pattern rather than using one large stone.

Finally, when it comes to setting your diamond on to the ring, remember that the pronged setting uses less metal and thus lowers your cost of making the ring and helps the diamond stand out as well. Win-win.

Shine on, ladies!

20 Ways To Brighten Your Gloomy Monsoon Day

Though it is not raining as much as I would have liked it too, the monsoon is well upon us here in Mumbai. The rainy season is breathtakingly beautiful but it can often be gloomy, resulting in dull moods and bleak days. Ladies, do not fear! The next time you are feeling blue or simply not as happy as you would like to be, this list will help you brighten up your day.

01. Light some candles! Nothing can turn your mood around like a fresh scent. This monsoon, I am constantly lighting my favourite peppermint candle.

02. Treat yourself to a bubble bath with your favourite bath bomb and finish the ritual off with your favourite body butter.

03. Wear something sparkly for an instant boost of happiness. I always reach for glittery pink sunglasses to add some quirky fun on dull rainy days.

04. Spray on your favourite summer perfume for an instant mood makeover!

05. Make the most of the weather and dance in the rain.

06. Start planning your holiday for the next summer.

07. Wear your favourite floral-printed garment, which will make you feel like you have wrapped yourself in spring. I love brightening up gloomy days by sporting my favourite spring and summer pieces.

08. If the rain is really heavy and you are stuck indoors, redecorate your room! Even if the change is as small as adding a new photo frame to your wall, it will make your room feel like a whole new space.

09. Forget boring black umbrellas and invest in a cute one that will infuse a little bit of fun into your monsoon wardrobe. My current one is covered with adorable unicorns.

10. Wear yellow. I don’t know about you ladies, but for me, I instantly think of the summer when I’m wearing this bright, happy colour.

11. Invest in a pair of quirky gumboots that match perfectly with your own sense of style. Monsoon fashion does not and certainly should not be boring!

12. Get hands-on and start working on that DIY project you have been meaning to work on for the last year. Making something is a great way to lighten up your mood.

13. Another one for those who are unable to leave their house due to the heavy rain – download a season or two of your favourite television show and have a marathon, complete with popcorn and fizzy drinks. You do not even have to change out of your pyjamas for this one!

14. Bake some brownies and indulge your sweet tooth.

15. Buy some flowers for your dining table to brighten up your living space – you score bonus points if the flowers are yellow!

16. Go for a high-power run in the rain. The energizing endorphins that your body will produce, coupled with the cool raindrops, will leave you feel refreshed.

17. Call your favourite girlfriend over and give yourselves an at-home pedicure with a bright, cheerful colour like hot pink.

18. Log onto YouTube, put on your favourite music video and teach yourself the choreography. You go, girl!

19. Create a very special cup of hot chocolate and make it as delicious as you can by adding exotic fruits, crunchy nuts, whipped cream and whatever else you can think of!

20. Dress up in some small way before you head out of the house, even if it is only a swipe of red lipstick. I guarantee that it will instantly up your mood!

Five Fashion Rules You Should Break This Year

I have always found the notion of having “rules” for fashion quite preposterous. If style is a medium to express your individuality, how can it be bound by constraints? The good thing is that rules are meant to be broken so go ahead and resolve to breach some fashion rules this year!

Never wear gold and silver jewelry together.

Whoever set this precedent in the world of fashion needs to have a serious word with me. Different metallic shades can and do work wonderfully together when paired in the right way. I find that the easiest way to mix metals is to layer silver and gold necklaces or load up your wrist with different bangles in both metallic hues. Many bloggers are jumping on the mixed metal bandwagon and you should too.

You should avoid wearing navy blue and black together.

The notion that two of the classiest colours in existence cannot be worn together is the perfect example of an old wives’ tale that is totally untrue. In fact, the combination of navy blue and black is as sleek and sophisticated as it gets. If you still have your doubts, turn to fashion icons like Alexa Chung and the Olsen twins who have sported this pairing time and time again.

Wearing more than one print is a fashion faux pas.

Excuse me! I beg to differ with whoever made this ridiculous statement. Mixed prints have become all the rage this year because they are fiercely fresh and undeniably modern. While the trend might seem intimidating, it is actually quite easy to pull off. As a rule of thumb, stick to prints within the same colour family for an unexpected yet elegant ensemble. Feel free to experiment with prints on footwear and handbags, too.

Tall women should not wear high heels.

Being a rather tall woman myself, this “rule” irks me for two reasons. The first is that it stems from a sexist point of view. The second is that your physical attributes have nothing to do with what you can and cannot wear. Girl, if you want to wear those high heels, wear them with pride and strut your stuff like the diva that you are. Never let anyone tell you that you “cannot” and “should not.”

Restrict yourself to one bold colour per outfit.

The colour block trend has been around for long enough for you to know that this guideline does not hold true anymore. If there is one thing that the trend has taught me, it is that vibrant colours can really bring out the beauty in each other when styled correctly. A great way to pair bold colours together is with the help of the colour wheel. Opposite colours on the wheel are complementary and thus, make for ideal combinations.

Five 90s Trends That Are Back With A Bang

Growing up in the 90s was a truly magical experience. The Spice Girls had us singing into hairbrushes every night, stick-on earrings were all the rage and Lip Smackers were a collectors item. The fashion was often questionable, but I am happy to see these five trends from the 90s making huge comebacks.

Bringing Sheer Back

One of the hottest trends from this wild era was the sheer trend that was immensely popular with the grunge crowd and the teenage rebels. Ladies in the 90s had no qualms about rocking this cheeky look and neither should you. If you are anxious about showing too much skin, wear a tank top below your sheer garment. Alternatively, opt for pieces with sheer panelling for some subtlety.

Funky In Flannel

I have distinct memories of my father wearing a blue and green flannel shirt on the weekends as I was growing up. Today, I often borrow the same shirt to throw over a white V-neck tee and denim shorts. Flannel is back with vengeance and it is definitely here to stay. The easiest way to sport this trend is to tie a baggy flannel shirt around your waist for some laid back vibes.

Cheeky Crop Tops

Summer is upon us and you know what that means: crop tops everywhere. I cannot walk down a main road without spotting at least two girls rocking this micro trend. What most ladies forget is that this trend originated in the 90s with ladies like Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Kate Moss and Julia Roberts. Today, the good old crop top is back with a bang, albeit infinitely cooler than its cousin from the 90s.

Slinky Slip Dresses

There is something extremely flattering and fiercely sexy about a gorgeous slip dress. From the thin shoulder straps to the delicate feel, this piece can make any woman feel like a diva on her worst day. Those of you who grew up in the 90s will distinctly remember Cher Horowitz’s white Calvin Klein dress that became an icon. Today, superstars like Rihanna and Kylie Jenner can be seen mimicking the style. To wear a slip dress without looking like you are wearing a nightie, throw an edgy leather jacket or breezy denim shirt over it.

The Grunge Trend

To be honest, I am not sure if the grunge trend every really left, but it has definitely gained popularity in the last year or so. Grunge encompasses many iconic fashion statements which were literally everywhere during the 90s – leather jackets, dramatic black eyeliner, bold brown lips, chokers, lots of spikes and graphics tees. Today, we see many trends being mixed with classic grunge pieces to create new fashion stories that are truly unique.

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Five Home Remedies For Dark Circles

Dark circles have plagued women across the world since time immemorial. More often than not, this problem is attributed to a severe lack of sleep and overall exhaustion, but your genetic makeup also plays an important role. The market is flooded with numerous products that all claim to lighten and eventually eliminate dark circles, but few of them actually live up to their tall promises.

I have always been a big believer in home remedies so when I started to develop dark circles under my eyes in my late teens, I decided to use ingredients from my kitchen to solve the problem rather than experiment with chemical-filled products. No matter how dark your circles are or how long they have been around for, these five home remedies are guaranteed to help you say goodbye to them!

Potato Juice

When it comes to home remedies, potatoes are often sidelined; however, they are of great help in getting rid of dark circles. In order to extract the juice, peel and grate two chilled potatoes. Use a cotton ball to apply the juice below your eyes each night and wash it off the following morning. The natural bleaching and anti-inflammatory properties of potato will help you notice results within a week!

Green Tea

Everyone knows that green tea is a great potion for digestion and weight loss, but most people do not know that the used tea bags can actually come in handy. The antioxidants that are found in green tea work wonders on puffy eyes and dark circles. Simply chill two used teabags in your fridge for twenty minutes and then place them over your eyes for another twenty. Repeat this ritual everyday to lighten your dark circles in no time!

Cucumber Juice

Cucumbers are widely known for their cooling properties, which is why most women like to place two thick slices on their eyes while indulging in a facial. When it comes to lightening dark circles, there is a more effective way to harness the natural goodness of cucumbers. Grate half a cucumber and extract the juice into a separate bowl. Apply the juice directly onto your dark circles using a cotton ball, allow it to dry for twenty minutes and then wash your face as normal. Voila!

Orange Juice

The natural bleaching properties of all citrus fruits and the inherent goodness of oranges make orange juice a great remedy for dark circles. Simply mix the orange juice with a few drops of glycerine and apply the potion under your eyes. Wash it off after fifteen minutes. Repeat this process every alternate day for quick results and an added glow where your dark circles used to be.

Cold Milk

Milk is the holy grail of home remedies because it has so many different benefits. I love using milk to lighten my dark circles, as it comes with the added bonus of softening, strengthening and healing the skin below my eyes. The best technique is to use milk as cold compress of sorts. Soak two cotton balls in a bowl of milk and place it in the fridge for half an hour. Once chilled, remove the cotton balls and place them directly over your dark circles. Leave them there until the cotton balls become warm. Repeat this process as often as possible for the best results.