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It has now been four months since I last went clubbing and found myself sulking at a table in a popular Bandra establishment. After about 15 minutes on the dance floor without alcohol, I realised I could no longer pretend to enjoy the techno music blasting through the speakers. My friends were nowhere to be found. The strangers around me seemed uninterested in striking up a conversation with anyone outside their clique. In the car with my friends on the way back, I bitterly remarked, “The next time I say I want to go clubbing, please just shake me hard and remind me of this night.”

The issue was not just that one night. It was a series of nights spent in anticipation of going out, only to return home underwhelmed. As with all things, Bollywood was partly to blame for this disappointment. Growing up, I had envisioned clubbing in India to look like it was portrayed on screen: Deepika Padukone blissfully spinning under neon lights as ‘Uff Teri Adaa’ (Karthik Calling Karthik) plays, Katrina Kaif spraying and chugging champagne in ‘Choomantar’ (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan) or Kangana Ranaut climbing atop a bar counter and ripping her sweater off in ‘Hungama Ho Gaya’ (Queen). Unfortunately, other than the neon lights, these depictions of partying now seem to be either false or a relic of the past.

Based in Delhi, 25-year-old Vyoma Trivedi, an assistant marketing manager, admits that clubbing in the capital city can be a hit or miss. “There are nights when I have returned home before 11pm,” she laments. “If you go to a place where the music is mainly just techno or reel-famous songs, it causes people to just stand in a corner with their drinks.” 22-year-old Mridul Munjal, who lives in Gurugram and works in marketing and communications, agrees. “It feels like clubs in Delhi are trying to cater to everyone and in doing that, are ultimately catering to no one properly.”

In the last five years or so, electronic music, including techno, house and trance, has risen in popularity, going mainstream across metropolitan cities in India. In Mumbai, spaces like Bonobo, antiSOCIAL and Khar Social spotlight a genre of music that was once reserved for underground raves and parties. Unfortunately, this has also led to a lack of diversity in clubs’ sonic landscapes. With most venues sticking to a similar sound, partygoers are left with music they may not necessarily enjoy. “Take Bollywood, for example. If a film is commercially successful, you’ll only see that kind of film released over and over again,” explains rock musician Bann Chakraborty. “Similarly, if one DJ has done well with techno, every venue will play techno. Nobody wants to take a risk by giving a chance to a different-sounding performer or even genre.” In contrast, the 47-year-old recalls Zenzi, a lounge bar once described as ‘Bandra’s living room’, that closed its doors in 2011. “It was like our second home. We would finish work and just run there,” he enthuses, recalling how he was offered his first job in Mumbai by a stranger he spent a few hours chatting with at the bar. “For 3-4 nights a week, they’d have a live band or DJ. There were open mic nights, spoken word sessions and unplugged sessions. Lots of different activities to keep people socially engaged.”

For Janmashtami, Sreeleela chose Aayushi Maniar’s Indrani lehenga, a patchwork of jewel tones and painstaking embroidery that looked less like clothing and more like a canvas of colour and craft.

The lehenga belongs to Maniar’s latest ‘Banno’ collection, a line that leans on fabrics as much as embroidery. “When we envisioned this lehenga, the intention was to create something that breathes both grandeur and delicacy,” shares Maniar. “The fabric was the starting point. We used tussar organza for the lehenga and tissue for the dupatta. Each of these textiles has a fragile lightness of its own, while still holding a regal presence,” the designer adds.

The lehenga was cut in alternating kalis of jewel tones, each one embroidered with floral and architectural motifs that played against one another in harmony. “Every motif has been hand-worked using tikki, zardozi, katdana and poth work,” Maniar says of the craft. “The idea was always to balance refinement with celebration.”

Instagram.com/sreeleela14

Sreeleela’s blouse provided the counterpoint: an angiya-style patchwork in red, green, purple and orange, its off-shoulder cut bringing a contemporary sharpness to the traditional silhouette. A red tissue dupatta, finished with cording and beaded tassels, rounded her look off..

The accessories amplified the lehenga’s richness without overwhelming it. A kundan choker framed her neckline, paired with jhumkas, kaan phool and a delicate maang tikka. Her hair was braided and tied with a red parandi, while her makeup stayed soft and luminous, keeping the focus on the ensemble.

She went with a kundan choker, jhumkas with kaan phool and a delicate maang tikka. Her hair was done in a long braid adorned with a red parandi, while her makeup stayed soft and luminous, keeping the focus on the ensemble. Styled one way, it carries the ease of a daytime celebration; styled another, it holds its own under evening lights.

Also read:

Neha Dhupia’s sari-inspired Anamika Khanna gown came with a sweeping embroidered pallu

Janhvi Kapoor’s Anita Dongre look balances ornate embroidery with airy mul

Madhuri Dixit Nene’s silk-tissue sari pairs peach tones with playful palm blooms

“The great, and also most challenging, thing about shopping for denim—especially wide-leg jeans—is that every single silhouette and treatment seems to be trending at the same time,” Vogue’s Daniel Rodgers noted in his guide to the autumn trends that everyone is already buying. Denim trends will come and go, but the best approach is always to find a fit that makes you feel the most confident and resonates with your own personal style.

Wide-leg jeans tend to have universal appeal because, unlike a skinny jean, which has a more uniform look, this silhouette can be tweaked to have very different end results. You can go for a more baggy, skater style, a flared fit that will appeal to wannabe Chloé girls or even a more tailored pair that will resemble more formal trousers. This variety also means that the styling opportunities are plentiful – thankfully, they have become a street-style staple, meaning there is no shortage of outfit inspiration.

If you are after a more fashion-forward styling approach, at Copenhagen Fashion Week, baggy, wide-leg jeans were predominantly styled with white cotton nightie dresses or lace slips styled over the top. Note that you want your dress to have movement, rather than sitting in a block over your jeans, so look for styles with tiered, waterfall or asymmetric hemlines, or tuck part of the skirt into the waistband to create this look.

When it comes to everyday dressing, you really don’t need to overcomplicate things, as this style of jeans arguably looks best when paired with a boxy white T-shirt and a leather jacket – a ’90s formula that continues to define model off-duty style. It also pays to lean into the oversized look, and pair your baggy jeans with track jackets or sports jerseys that have the same proportions. Keep scrolling for more styling ideas that’ll make wide-leg jeans the hardest-working piece in your wardrobe this season.

Dress + flip-flops

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

AllSaints – Asymmetric Hem Dress

cos – Wide-Leg Denim Trousers

cos – Garnet Beaded Necklace

White T-shirt + polished accessories

Valentina Valdinoci

Uniqlo – AIRism Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt

Marks & Spencer – Leather Jean Belt

Aeyde – Dorothy Leather Ankle Boots

Shirt + lace skirt

Valentina Valdinoci

Uniqlo – Oversized Oxford Shirt

Harrods – Silk Lace-Trim Chemise

Our Legacy – High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

Paris Texas – Jane Leather Ankle Boots

White denim + black accessories

Francesca Babbi

cos – Knitted Cotton Waistcoat

& Other Stories – Relaxed Wide-Leg Jeans

Acne Studios – Patent-Trimmed Leather Ankle Boots

Vest + scarf

Francesca Babbi

Joseph – Suez Pleat Jacquard Tie Waistcoat

Agolde – Slung Baggy Wide-Leg Denim Jeans

Stefan Cooke – Stripe Knit Scarf

Jersey T-shirt + trainers

Francesca Babbi

Martine Rose – Lace Trim Football Top in Navy

Mother – Snacks! The Lemon Twist High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

Dries Van Noten – Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

T-shirt + leather jacket

& Other Stories – Collarless Leather Jacket

Frame – The Loose Low-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

Ancient Greek Sandal – Iro Jelly Flat

Leather jacket + heel sandals

Vincenzo Grillo

Weekday – Monki Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

Calvin Klein – Navy Logo T-Shirt

Arket – Cloud Loose Wide Jeans

Aeyde – Wilma Snake-Effect Leather Sandals

This story first appeared on Vogue.co.uk.

Also read:

It’s official: Vests are the perfect match for jeans in 2025

Cosmic tip: Fan that fire and build something great together.

Yes, life can feel hard. Yes, I get it, you feel like you cannot carry on anymore. Yes, sometimes you just wish you could scream at the top of your voice and let it all out. Sag, if you can—then do it! It will make you feel lighter. If you cannot, for any reason, then let your emotions out through journaling, running, going for a walk, or simply crying it out. Do anything that makes you feel lighter, if not brighter; it is not your burdens that you need to carry forward any more. It is resolution and healing that must occupy the driver’s seat in your life. No need to take any more leaps of faith. For today, allow yourself to feel all the pressure and have a meltdown if you must. Sometimes the easiest way to release is to feel your way through it.

Cosmic tip: Things will look up again.

Your moment of truth is here, Capricorn, and you have made your choice this time. Your heart glows with what your eyes are set on, and you simply cannot hold back your voice from singing your heartfelt song. This creates some sort of magic for you, darling—one that makes the cosmos sing with you and bring happy,y shiny moments your way. You not only draw in your wishes, but also your tribe and all that you need along your journey. Get started with that idea and ask your angels to support you along the way.

Cosmic tip: Magical help will be arriving in time.

Merging your heart with what brings you joy—be it your relationships, your work, your goals or anything else is the way to creating lasting wealth and abundance. Aquarius, for you, recently your family and relationship sector has been highlighted, and while you may be shouldering equal and shared responsibility all along, you are now feeling it in your bones to branch out, to make a move, or perhaps even commit (personal or professional). Sure, this will require you to make things work, juggle between worlds and systematically move through your plans and goals, but this is not something you have not done before and that you cannot handle.

Cosmic tip: Make choices with flexibility, resourcefulness and a sense of humour.

Keep walking on your path, Pisces. The more honestly you show up, the more intently the cosmos safeguards your wildest interests and passions. You may be feeling like there is more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye, and sure, new opportunities are lined up for you; however, you must also keep your eyes and ears open for any advantageous situations or people that may be surrounding you. Give, but judiciously so that you don’t end up draining your energy, resources, ideas or anything else in the bargain.

Cosmic tip: Allow your intellect and intuition to merge at this point.

This week on the style circuit, it was the suit that did the talking. From Aditi Rao Hydari in a sharply tailored brown set to Tillotama Shome’s velvet interpretation and Kajol’s sequinned version, power dressing found three new moods. Elsewhere, leather, brocade and embroidery kept texture at the forefront, proving that dressing with depth remains the season’s strongest statement.

Aditi Rao Hydari set the tone at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) in a brown tailored set by Jeevan from Hussain Rehar’s Summer 2025 collection. The keyhole blazer, with gold buttons and sharply defined shoulders, was paired with fluid, pleated trousers that hinted at a pallazo silhouette. A matching dupatta worn along with the suit added softness. The overall look brought together crisp tailoring with elements of drape to the structure, turning the suit into an Indianised version of power dressing.

Janhvi Kapoor switched gears from her run of ethnic ensembles to a sculpted tan leather co-ord by Georges Hobeika. The corset-style top, embossed with a lace neckline and pearl-accented hardware, was paired with a pencil skirt that skimmed past the knees. Sleek and material-driven, it was a study in shape and finish.

The shimmer of sequins and zardozi announced Neha Dhupia’s arrival before she did, wrapped in an Anamika Khanna sari-inspired gown that turned craft into performance art. A stark black column slit high at the thigh formed the base, overlaid with an embroidered drape that swept across one shoulder and fell like a modern pallu to the floor.

The embellishment was dense: sequins, beads and zardozi arranged into oversized leaves and florals in antique gold and silver. Against the minimalist base, the embroidery shimmered like armour, underscoring Khanna’s instinct for turning traditional craft into something resolutely contemporary.

Neha Dhupia treated everything around the gown like stage lighting; pared back so the embroidery remained the script. Her hair was pulled straight and sleek, left to fall down her back. Makeup stayed in warm tones: bronzed lids, luminous skin, lips in muted beige, all designed to complement the metallic drape without competing with it.

Accessories functioned less as adornment and more as reinforcements. Oversized floral studs mirrored the motifs on the gown, while a single ring added punctuation. Even the choice of footwear felt choreographed: classic black Louboutins, their red soles flashing briefly through the slit, delivering a final beat of drama.

“Soluble fibre helps lower LDL by binding to the bile acids and cholesterol in the digestive tract and removing them from the body,” she explains. “It also supports healthy blood sugar levels and feeds beneficial gut bacteria which may reduce systemic inflammation linked to heart disease.”

Hemp hearts

Hemp hearts, which are the soft inner part of hemp seeds, are a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fats and arginine. Py says that when the arginine develops into nitric oxide, it can relax and widen blood vessels, thus improving blood flow and helping lower our blood pressure.

Walnuts

Py says that walnuts contain healthy fats, omega-3s and antioxidants to benefit our heart health. Studies show that eating walnuts daily can lower our risk of cardiovascular disease and manage our cholesterol levels.

Oats

Py says oats make for a great heart-healthy food because of their fibre content. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one cup of oats contains about 8 grams of fibre, and studies show that fibre can lower inflammation and cholesterol.

Leafy greens

Spinach, kale, collard greens, rocket, cabbage and more leafy greens should be a go-to if you’re looking for heart-healthy foods. Py says that leafy greens are rich in potassium and antioxidants to help lower high cholesterol.

Broccoli

Py also likes broccoli for heart health. (Bonus: it’s great for hormonal health too.) On top of being rich in antioxidants, which she says help neutralise free radicals that can damage blood vessels and lead to plaque build-up, it is also a great source of fibre.

Black beans, lentils and other legumes

Legumes like black beans and lentils come with loads of health benefits, especially when it comes to supporting the heart. Py loves lentils, especially for their fibre and protein content and antioxidant properties. Black beans are also high in fibre content and have antioxidant properties to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Berries

Another fruit you can turn to for heart health, Py says, is berries. Berries such as strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants which are known to reduce inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Salmon

Salmon is one of the healthiest food options because of its omega-3 fatty acid content. Py especially loves it for the heart as she says it reduces inflammation, lowers the fat lipids in your blood, maintains a healthy heart rhythm and protects against plaque build-up.

Olive oil

Olive oil comes with many health benefits, such as its ability to boost our gut health and serotonin levels. Where our heart is concerned, it contains healthy fats, says Py, which makes it great for heart health. Studies show that regular consumption of the oil may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Sweet potato

Py loves sweet potatoes for the heart. It’s packed with fibre content and potassium. “[Potassium] can help regulate blood pressure by counterbalancing the effects of sodium and easing pressure on blood vessel walls, in turn reducing heart disease and stroke risk,” she says. “Most people do not consume enough, which is why focusing on these sources is especially important.”

Figs

Another recommendation from Py, figs are packed with potassium and fibre to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Lean meats

When thinking about heart-healthy proteins, which Py says support metabolic health and lean muscle mass, you’ll want to pick lean meats like chicken, turkey breast or tuna. She explains that replacing red or processed meats with these options can significantly lower cardiovascular risk.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt works for any meal, and it’s one of the best heart-healthy dairy food options. Studies show that eating two servings of plain yoghurt a week lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Quinoa

Brown and tri-coloured quinoa are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and peptides. Studies show that it can help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases.

Whole-grain bread

If you’re looking for a bread option for your heart health, go the whole-grain route. Studies show that whole-grain bread can reduce the risk of coronary heart and cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes and respiratory disease.

Tofu

Tofu not only provides a great source of protein but it also benefits your heart. Studies show that tofu and soy-based products may reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

If there’s one product that deserves permanent handbag status, it’s blush sticks. One swipe brings colour back to tired skin, no brushes (bonus if it comes attached) or bathroom stops required. The best ones multitask on lips and lids, blend in with a fingertip, and slip in a dose of hydration while they’re at it.

And there’s a reason they’ve become the beauty editor’s favourite shortcut. Where powders can fade or sit heavily, creams melt in for a finish that looks more alive than made-up. Newer formulas are infused with skin-friendly extras like oils and vitamins, so every swipe is a blend of makeup and care.

asa Beauty Lip & Cheek Tint

The asa Lip & Cheek Tint is infused with a blend of oils to give you a natural blush and boost the collagen in your skin. This multi-purpose stick adds a hydrating, refreshing glow to both your cheeks and lips. Packed with vitamins, it not only delivers a natural flush of color but also helps nourish your skin and repair damage for a healthier, radiant look.

Kiro Wonder Wand Multi-Stick

Kiro’s Wonder Wand Multi-Stick adds a healthy, natural flush to cheeks, a creamy tint to lips, and a subtle wash of colour across lids. The formula is ultra-light and blends in seconds, leaving behind a soft, matte finish that looks effortless on all skin tones. Rosehip oil to brighten and support skin, avocado oil for hydration, and moringa oil for antioxidant care. The result is pigment that feels as good as it looks.

Smashbox Hot Stx Blush Stick

Smashbox’s limited-edition HOT STX is unapologetically vivid, designed for days when blush is the main look. The cream formula glides on easily, blends down with fingers or a brush, and leaves a dewy finish that looks like skin, only brighter. The shades—from punchy poppy to electric violet—are made to play with, whether you tap them in lightly or go full intensity.

NARS The Multiple Blush

Cult favourite NARS’ iconic Multiple Blush Stick comes with a cream-to-powder texture, so you get the best of both (formula) worlds. It’s long-lasting, blurred finish stays on your cheeks for 16 hours, so minimal touchup sessions before your meeting and date.

Chanel Les Beiges Blush Stick

With its luminous velvet finish, CHANEL’s blush sticks can be used to sculpt your face and enhance its natural, healthy glow by adding a touch of colour to the cheekbones. The silky texture enriched with cotton and rose extract feels light and adaptive, like it isa second skin.

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Stick

Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Blush Stick delivers a dewy, sunset-inspired glow in seconds. The six shades glide across cheeks and lips with a juicy wash of colour, while skincare ingredients like Collageneer™ and hyaluronic acid hydrate and smooth for a fresh, lit-from-within finish.

Milk Makeup’s Lip + Cheek stick

Milk Makeup’s Lip + Cheek stick is a swipe-and-go essential, delivering a natural flush to both lips and cheeks with a creamy, hydrating formula. Packed with mango butter, avocado oil and apricot oil, it blends seamlessly and builds colour without streaks, making touch-ups possible anywhere.

Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Stick Blush

Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Stick Blush is a lightweight cream formula that melts into skin for a seamless, natural finish. The buildable colour blends from a sheer wash to a vivid pop without disturbing makeup underneath, while the attached brush makes on-the-go application effortless.

PIXI On-The-Glow Blush

PIXI’s On-The-Glow Blush is a tinted balm that adds a sheer wash of colour while keeping skin hydrated. Infused with ginseng, aloe vera, and fruit extracts, it conditions as it tints, making it as much skincare as makeup. Easy to swipe on cheeks and lips, and buildable to get your desired level of pigment.

Also read:

10 blushes that’ll leave you looking like you’re just back from vacation

How to pull off the sunburn blush look for summer

18 of the best bronzers for the ultimate sun-kissed glow

While a new moon usually brings a moment of calm, the past few weeks have been turbulent, and the vibrations from July and August will continue to be felt into September. “The Schumann resonance, the electromagnetic wave phenomenon that can be described as the heartbeat or frequency of the Earth, has been high for days. This is a confirmation of how quickly the Earth is increasing its frequency. And we, as well as the animals and everything else that lives on Earth, are being swept along in this process. Our systems are reacting to this,” explains Jetteke van Lexmond, co-founder of the Moonsisters and their popular lunar calendar.

What’s more, the expert reports, is that it can feel as if something is pulling on us. “It’s like a pushing and pulling force around you that makes your cells vibrate and creates unusual sensations in your body. On every level, physically, mentally, emotionally and energetically, we are going through a massive transformation that can lead to exhaustion, upheaval, separation and closure,” van Lexmond says.

Get ready for more clarity and energy

These already-intense vibrations will be joined by the energy of Virgo, which begins on August 22. “Virgo is a practical, down-to-earth zodiac sign that knows how to get things done. The sign loves order and structure and has strong analytical and organisational skills,” van Lexmond explains. Furthermore, “Virgo can be critical and tends to find fault with small things. The biggest lesson and challenge for the earth sign is to use both their head and their heart and let go of the illusion of control.”

In the past week, Mercury, the ruling planet of Gemini and Virgo, has also gone direct again. After Mercury retrograde, the coming weeks will bring more clarity and energy to take action. “With Mercury, the sun and the new moon in Virgo, the veil is lifted and blockages disappear. This is a welcome development for anyone returning to work,” says van Lexmond.

Directly after the Lion’s Gate Portal, which opened between July 26 and August 12 and peaked on August 8 in the middle of Leo season, the current constellation feels like a new beginning and preparation for the eclipse on September 7-8. Van Lexmond reveals, “The upcoming total lunar eclipse is the second one this year, and having two total lunar eclipses in the same year is unusual. This rarity and intensity fit perfectly with the transformative energy of 2025. Each eclipse or equinox is a turning point, a bridge to great change.”

Take time for the changes

If you would like to start something new or change something, van Lexmond reveals that now is the right time to do so. “Connect with the energy of Virgo to implement these tweaks practically and precisely.” However, there is no need to rush; take your time for new plans and projects. “The energy of Saturn and Uranus helps you tackle karmic patterns and follow your unique soul path. This time calls for individuality, authenticity and soulful creations, rather than mass production through sheer force of will. Less business-minded and more heart-minded is how the Moon expert categorises this energy.

Cosmic tip: Instead of fearing the worst, hover above your situation to get a bird’s-eye view.

What a glorious time it was, your past. And now, you are here, stuck praying for solutions and ways out of this situation. Scorpio, take that leap of faith, surrender to the unknown, and give your ideas a chance. You may be waiting on your personal life or one sphere of life to change to make a shift in the other spheres, but what if you were meant to keep going with what is being rolled out and the parts that need fixing will change themselves or make sense in due course of time. You are ready for more, Scorps, and the Universe is ready to dish it out to you.

Cosmic tip: See the potential and go for it.

Rise above conflict and discord so that you can hear your inner voice once again, Sag. That quiet little voice is always on point and it reminds you that the right thing might not always be the loudest thing to do, say or believe. Keep grinding towards your goals—not literally, but through resolve. By the next lunar cycle, you will not only have your answers but also your winning ticket in your hands.

Cosmic tip: A consistent, reliable approach leads you to your diligently achieved victory.

Woah! A major time is being ushered in for you, Capricorn. And you, my dear, are going to fall in love with life and everything in between all over again. This is your time to go within and evaluate what it is that you really want and what you have been asking for. This is your time to not buckle under pressure but find your way through the crevices. This is your time to go for it, while keeping your inner eye open for cues and crumbs the Universe throws your way.

Cosmic tip: Take on that journey and travel—metaphorically or really.

Stop pegging your focus outside of you, Aquarius. Stop subconsciously comparing your life to others, stop silently swallowing your own voice and most definitely stop trying to keep up. You are not here for any of that. You are here to be you. And let’s get specific about it. You are here to celebrate your life, your loved ones, your tribe. You are here to share joy, but you are also here to receive the same in return. You are also here to carve your life at your own pace. You are also here to enjoy what you create for yourself. Not simply to rush through it all.

Cosmic tip: Treat each day as your first and last so that you can cherish the tiny moments in between.

Stick to the known path just for a short bit, Pisces. Yes, you want to create something of your own, and perhaps you also want to build something remarkable. However, set the foundations with a tried and tested methodology and structure. Keep your ethics in the forefront, keep your eyes on the larger picture, keep your words and intentions pure and wise. And most definitely keep your head looking for the next best thing on the horizon. One step at a time and you will get to where you wish to go at top speed. Good things are in store for you.

Cosmic tip: Strategy fused with companionship and camaraderie is the best combination for you presently.