All posts by : AyFa Collections

The islands of Italy are defined by time-sculpted cliffs, azure waters, pristine beaches enveloped by scents of juniper and the salty spray of the ever-present Mediterranean, and serene, languorous afternoons. From Sicily to Sardinia to Liguria, swap out the places you saw on Instagram for these alternatives to experience how Italy, with its 7,900km of coastline and spiagge (‘beach’ in Italian), really feels. It’s time to lie out on the beach with your girlfriends, sip an Aperol spritz, and listen to the waves crash while enjoying the unparalleled blue.

Sicily

Not only is Italy the largest among the islands of Italy, but it is also the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Think wild landscapes, swimming in the bluest waters, starting the day with brioche col tuppo, moving languidly under the beating sun and corners whispering tales of its past. Authenticity quietly persists here: a rare, covetable luxury.

Where to eat

Pa.Pe.Ro “al glicine”

Falling pregnant, as the British so elegantly put it, was—for me—a surprisingly efficient affair. I say this not to be glib, but to acknowledge a stroke of fortune, especially at my age of 34. My journey required no specialists, no injections, no alphabet soup of assisted reproductive acronyms. Just a few ovulation strips, a Bluetooth-enabled hormone monitor, and the large language model ChatGPT, which I nicknamed Chatty. If that sounds like a parody of contemporary femininity, I assure you—it was simply my reality. So, in the hopes of demystifying ovulation, luteinising hormone surges, or the delicate dance of conception to others, allow me to present the story of how I became pregnant, with guidance from a polite robot.

It began, as these things do, with a decision. My husband and I determined that 2025 would be the year. In November 2024, we made our first attempt, guided by my period tracker app that used the scant and wildly inconsistent data I fed it to estimate my fertile window. My cycle was irregular; my commitment to inputting my period’s start and end dates was even more so. Unsurprisingly, a period arrived in December. I was disappointed, but also energised—I would need to get serious.

I was 34 years old. Not old, not young. Statistically speaking, women in their early thirties have about a 20% chance of conceiving each cycle. By thirty-five, that number begins to decline more sharply. The internet is littered with charts meant to alarm, statistics plotted in grim downward curves. Still, most OBs will tell you that thirty-four is a perfectly reasonable age to try. It simply requires a bit more attention to timing—and perhaps a few additional tools.

I did what most women do when entering this realm: I turned to friends. Over dinner, I quizzed those recently pregnant on their methods. Gone were the days when ovulation could be loosely inferred from intuition and a calendar—modern methods required data. “You have to use these strips,” one friend insisted, pushing her phone toward me with an Amazon link. “The others are garbage.” I ordered a box before the appetisers arrived.

These strips—delicate paper things with fuchsia gradients—were designed to detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine, the spike that precedes ovulation. If the test line matched or darkened beyond the control line, one was said to be fertile. In theory, foolproof. In practice, utterly subjective. I stood in my bathroom many mornings holding a used strip against the printed example on the box, squinting. “Does this look the same to you?” I asked my husband, who is far from a colour theorist and really had no business evaluating shades of raspberry pink before 7am

You can’t resist a breathable handloom when the temperatures rise—Samantha Ruth Prabhu agrees. Samantha Ruth Prabhu has returned to cottons, organza, linens and chiffons repeatedly. The actor, who has been out and about for the press of her Telugu comedy-horror film Subham, served up a roster of summer-friendly looks. Among them, Anavila’s yellow kurta set makes for a trusty investment for balmy days in the city, or on a pre-wedding event at a tropical destination. Ruth Prabhu turned to silver earrings and a bracelet by Tribe Amrapali to make the look her own. With the accessories and soft glam makeup, she skimped neither on comfort nor on glamour.

“Samantha is wearing the festive Topaz Irregular Nova kurta set and dupatta, both made of handwoven linen. The kurta features a zari yoke, which is also crafted from handwoven linen zari. The dupatta is adorned with kinari, which includes metallic kinari and gota embellishments,” shares designer Anavila Misra.

The billowing fabric is perfect to breeze through the day as mercury rises, while the zari detailing delivers that effortless festive touch without being overdone. One of the oldest textiles in the world, linen is derived from the fibres of the flax plant, making it both strong and absorbent.

Several stars have made linen their summer choice and for good reason. Ananya Panday presented an elevated take on it by wearing a linen plaid sari as a blouse and draping a silk veshti as a skirt, both by Anavila. For the promotions of Sanya Malhotra’s family-drama film Mrs., the actor dressed in a blush linen zari sari by Eka. Where Malhotra styled her linen look with a porcelain choker, a zari potli bag, and navratna bangles,

Are you productive or are you simply occupied? Scorpio, there is a huge difference between the two. Take some time out in nature, consistently. It could be consciously sitting next to a plant, gardening, showering with full presence, being aware of the warm sun touching your skin, meditating or anything else that feels personal yet settling. Long drawn rituals are not needed if you can consistently find your way back to your core in simpler ways. Your intuition will brighten up, your visions will receive more clarity and you will not feel overloaded.

Cosmic tip: To strike a balance, you must seek to embody that balance within.

You have refined yourself over time. You have learnt your lessons and you have also found a clear voice by the end of it all. Sag, now is the time to push this focussed desire forward in and create a meaningful and lasting impact. Clear your solar plexus chakra of the emotional and fear based debris by soaking in the sun and breathing out through the space between your ribs. This is your powerhouse for manifesting, will power, self confidence and even immunity. Claim it with your energy once again so that you can make your moves not with fear, but through faith that they are backed by a mightier force working through you.

Cosmic tip: The Universe is working through you.

Water your garden. When was the last time you meditated, or indulged in some me-time, or just sat still without having to think of your pending task list? Capricorn, breathe. Make some time for yourself so that you can detach from the unnecessary nitty-gritties more easily and focus on what truly matters to you. Ask Source and your Angels for help and assistance. They will show you creative ways to merge your life into a beautiful painting.

Cosmic tip: Go easy so that the Universe can catch up with you.

There are lessons to be learned and patterns to be broken and while you may have experienced all of that before, now you are more ready to calm that inner chaos and simply find your voice back again. You may have felt directionless, and you may have looked around for answers. Now while you have those answers (sort of) you are also reflecting on ways to fuse your self expression with these solutions. Detox from other’s ideas of you, your ideas of what others must do or say or think, and find your center once again.

Cosmic tip: Fall in love with your life once again.

Being like others never feels right or easy to you, Pisces, not only because you feel and think so deeply but also because living on the surface never really fascinated you. You may have been feeling a myriad of emotions lately and this is because you have been trying too hard to fit into someone else’s structures. It is time you found your passion for life once again and notice your authentic nature surfacing. It is not only about doing any longer, it is also about being, dreaming, thriving and everything in between. Reveal yourself now.

Cosmic tip: The more you follow your purpose, the more peace will follow you.

There are lessons to be learned and patterns to be broken and while you may have experienced all of that before, now you are more ready to calm that inner chaos and simply find your voice back again. You may have felt directionless, and you may have looked around for answers. Now while you have those answers (sort of) you are also reflecting on ways to fuse your self expression with these solutions. Detox from other’s ideas of you, your ideas of what others must do or say or think, and find your center once again.

Cosmic tip: Fall in love with your life once again.

Also read

Aries May 18, 2025

Taurus May 18, 2025

Gemini May 18, 2025

Cancer May 18, 2025

Leo May 18, 2025

Virgo May 18, 2025

Libra May 18, 2025

Scorpio May 18, 2025

Sagittarius May 18, 2025

Capricorn May 18, 2025

Pisces May 18, 2025

Glossy lips aren’t exactly new, but how we wear them now feels different. Less lacquered and more lived-in, today’s gloss sits somewhere between skincare and style—a sheer, balmy finish that adds polish without pushing too hard.

The high-shine pout has become a quiet mainstay in beauty looks, and creamy nude tones are leading the charge. They don’t compete with the rest of the face, they complete it. Gloss feels less like a statement and more like a signature: low-effort, high-payoff and always in sync with soft-glam energy.

This week, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Mindy Kaling, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Rakul Preet Singh wore their gloss easy, gleaming, and perfectly paired with sculpted brows, flushed cheeks or smudged liner. In 2025, the gloss doesn’t just finish a look—it defines its mood.

Mindy Kaling gave vintage glamour a fresh, spring-ready update. Her base had a soft satin finish, sculpted with a touch of bronzer and a diffused highlight that added gentle structure. The focal point: a rich, glossy brown lip with plum undertones—striking without feeling heavy. Her eyes were smoked in deep shadow with a clean sweep of liner, while brows were groomed and defined. Long, centre-parted waves kept the look grounded, while a vintage-inspired pearl necklace with an emerald pendant framed in diamonds added quiet drama, pulling everything together with a nod to old-Hollywood elegance, minus the fuss.

Nushrratt Bharuccha kept things polished and pared-back with a smooth, radiant base that looked softly set rather than overly sculpted. A gentle flush on the cheeks added warmth, while low-arched, defined brows looked quiet in structure. Brown shadow, smoked at the outer corners, lifted the eyes subtly, balanced by wispy lashes and a softly diffused lower lash line. A custom Chhorii neckpiece—nodding to her recent release Chhorii 2—paired with a rose-brown gloss, added just enough shine to pull everything together.

Rakul Preet Singh stepped out in a thigh-high slit sequin gown that caught the light with every movement. Her makeup leaned into classic evening territory: a radiant base paired with a black smoky eye dusted in shimmer, softly blended across the lids for a diffused, low-key intensity. Fluttery lashes and a sharp, precise liner defined the eyes without tipping into heavy drama. Lips were glossed in a brown-nude shade with warm caramel undertones—polished, not loud. A diamond neckpiece finished the look, sitting right at the intersection of subtle and statement.

For many animal companions, anthropomorphising their pets serves a deeper purpose than simply raking in hearts on Instagram—it’s to ease some of the heaviness in their actual beating hearts. Experts believe we’re going through a loneliness epidemic, exacerbated by an overdependence on digital connections that aren’t always as fulfilling as they seem on the surface. These feelings of isolation become aggravated in deracinated South Asians who either grow up far away from their homeland or have trouble assimilating in a new country after they emigrate. For Shaikh, who moved from Memphis to Nashville in October last year, his cats more than fill the friend-shaped hole in his life. “I’ve only made one or two pals from work, so spending time with the cats is pretty much all I do. I’ve also got a stroller to take them into the city,” he says, grinning self-deprecatingly. Shahzad, on the other hand, has no qualms about bailing on plans with his friends to hang out with his bunnies. “After I finish work, I just want to chill with my pets and get in some self-care with them,” he confesses. “It feels like I’ve split fractions of my personality into my five rabbits. Coming home to them feels like returning to my safe space.”

Sandal styles may come and go, but the humble Birkenstock, so ingrained in our wardrobes, transcends the fickle trend cycle. In Barbie (2023), Margot Robbie is faced with an ultimatum – she can either choose a pair of pink stilettos with a perfectly-moulded Mattel arch and remain in her plastic fantasyland, or enter the real world, represented by a pair of Birkenstock Arizonas. We can’t think of a better emblem for the everyday.

Birkenstock Arizonas were released in 1973 and used to be exclusively sold in health-food stores. In 1992, Marc Jacobs was arguably the first to publicly reposition the orthopaedic shoes as a fashionable choice, when he included Arizonas in his controversial Perry Ellis show. Jacobs lost his creative director position, appalling critics with his unbothered, grunge aesthetic, but he was certainly onto something with his Arizona styling.

Fast-forward to 2025, the likes of Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander, Valentino and Manolo Blahnik have all collaborated with Birkenstock. The sandals have become a constant presence in “celebrities off-duty” photographs. Despite the supermodel and Hollywood endorsements, Birkenstocks are a functional, practical shoe. Not only does the moulded footbed make them a podiatrist favourite, but they also have the Vogue editor seal of approval thanks to their minimalist but chunky design. They go with pretty much every summer ensemble, from beach cover-ups to trousers, but one pairing stands out – jeans and Birkenstocks. They’ll always be a timeless match.

As for specific styles, you don’t need to get too formulaic about things — I would argue that any pair of Birkenstocks will go with any cut of jeans, whether you go for baggy, wide-leg, cropped or straight-leg. Keep scrolling for Birkenstock and jeans combos that you can count on for those days when you need a reliable, uncomplicated outfit.

Beige Birkenstocks with grey baggy jeans

Flat sandals with buckles bring a casual touch to grey baggy jeans.

Getty Images

Summer sets the stage for lights and brights, but Karisma Kapoor is reaffirming the enduring elegance of black beyond winter months and after-dark hours. The actor swapped the obvious pastel and primary palettes with an ebony piece by Ritika Mirchandani for an event in May 2025.

Styled by Esha Amin, Karisma Kapoor’s custom set consists of a well-fitted top layered with a blazer showcasing a classic lapel and power shoulders, and dhoti pants. Elaborating on the outfit, Mirchandani shares, “The look features a black mother-of-pearl basketweave blazer, which is intricately hand-embroidered and sharply tailored. It is paired with a retro artwork black blouse, adding a hint of structure. Completing the ensemble is a black pinwheel hand-embroidered dhoti.”

“Detailed with tonal bugle beads and threadwork, the ensemble brings together intricate craftsmanship and fluid movement in a monochrome palette. From its construction to craftsmanship, approximately 200 hours have gone into completing Karisma’s outfit.”

Adding sparkle to her ensemble was a diamond necklace and earrings by Giva. Kapoor’s beauty gravitated towards her trusted ultra-glam aesthetic, too. For personal and professional outings, she has relied heavily on that flawless base, smoky eyes, sculpted brows, nude lips and a sleek hairdo. She accessorised with a pair of black pumps.

Cosmic tip: Let your heart lead. Logic may work for others, but your guidance system lies in your heart.

The trick does not lie in doing more. It lies in doing things playfully. Leo, whether it is settling debts, receiving loans or simply living life, a lighter footprint is the result of engaging with life spiritedly. Remember, you are Spirit experiencing itself in a human form. So allow yourself to look at your life as a massive playground – explore, win goals, make friends, enjoy the pleasures of life – all while staying in your lane and making things fun. Your fears don’t determine where you land up – your willingness to give things a chance does.

Cosmic tip: Get grounded, stay exuberant and wave your magic wand.

An imminent closing is ushering in a new phase in life where you are excited and upbeat about a lot that lies ahead of you. Virgo, the simplest way of doing right where you feel you once did wrong is by releasing yourself and others from judgement and embracing them as they are. Entanglements of any sort weigh you down and make you sluggish, even if in the form of thoughts and intentions. Lift the dead weight off, shine bright, but also remember to remain soft, gentle and firm through it all.

Cosmic tip: Close your eyes. Relax. Breathe. Where do you see yourself? That is your destiny.

You need not keep struggling anymore, Libra. You need not keep burdening yourself with a million worries and thoughts about everyone else. It is okay for you to relax and take a step back to just sit and do nothing. Someone new may have entered your life, making you feel and think like a younger version of you, or you may simply be the one deciding to ease off yourself. As this old, heavy cycle winds down, you are free to choose creative, alternative ways of thinking and feeling to come together, spark new ideas and opportunities and simply do only what is most important to you – personally and professionally. This is your time for growth and expansion.