Posts in category: Life Style

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.

I only spent half an hour with Mary Katrantzou, the first-ever creative director of leather goods and accessories at Bvlgari, but I can totally see her whipping out that tape with abandon, offering to measure anything you may set your eyes on. Though charged with designing bags that have little room for mundanities like practicality and pricing, the Athens-born designer is the consummate good student. Her memory of the story of the Italian fine jewellery house is uncanny and her love of learning is palpable.

It might be the result of having “grown up around culture and architecture, developing a sense of harmony and symmetry”. This becomes part of your formation as a designer, Katrantzou explains, drawing a through line connecting herself to Sotirios Voulgaris, the silversmith who left his native Greece for Rome, where he established the house of Bvlgari in 1884. “He looked at Rome from that perspective, and now, I’m discovering it in the same way.”

Apart from being ancient and obsessed with eating well, what connects the three cultures in our conversation—Greek, Roman, Indian—is our belief in the power of symbolism. The Serpenti, a zoomorphic Bvlgari totem that inspired the handle of its latest bag, Serpenti Cuore 1968, is just as attractive to Indian fans as it remains to Roman loyalists, representing prosperity and regeneration to both. I ask Katrantzou if she’s superstitious and she admits a dusting of it may have settled on her lately. “I believe in good and bad energy, and I can sense how you will make me feel and how open I can be. We are in control and shape our destiny, but a few years ago, I realised life shows you patterns that keep repeating. So if you understand them, it helps you make decisions very differently.”

Also read:

Designer Mary Katrantzou on turning alchemist in her role as Bvlgari’s creative director of leather goods and accessories

I travelled to Dubai as Bvlgari celebrated its Aeterna collection and discovered the art of Roman craftsmanship

The Bulgari ‘Serpenti’ sheds its skin for a new watch-jewel

Weddings in India are not just events—they’re full-blown festivals of style, colour, chaos, and couture. While women have endless outfit options, men usually find themselves circling the good old Kurta Pajama. But let’s be honest—just throwing on a kurta isn’t enough anymore. It’s 2025, and groomsmen, cousins, and even stylish mamas’ boys are stepping up their fashion game.

Here’s the thing, though: Kurta Pajama for Men is timeless, sure. But it’s the shoes that either slay the look or straight-up slay the vibe. So, let’s talk about stepping out—literally—in style. Because no one wants to rock a regal kurta and then look down to see… worn-out flip-flops. No sir.

Buckle up (pun intended), because we’re about to spill the style tea on how to pair the right shoes with your Kurta Pajama like a total pro, all curated with love by your ethnic style besties at Nihal Fashions.

Why Shoes Matter More Than You Think

You know how a watch can make a formal outfit look luxe or laid-back? Shoes do the same thing for Kurta Pajama for Men. From royal weddings to boho halos, choosing the right footwear sets the tone. It can add elegance, edge, or effortless charm to your whole look.

Here’s our hot take: If you’re wearing a bomb outfit and the wrong shoes, it’s like serving biryani without raita. Something’s just… off.

First, Let’s Talk Kurta Pajama Styles

Not all Kurta Pajamas are built the same. The silhouette, fabric, embroidery, and vibe of your kurta will determine what footwear works best. Here’s a quick style breakdown:

• Classic Silk Kurta Pajama – Luxe and traditional, usually worn for receptions and weddings.
• Cotton or Linen Kurta Pajama – Great for day functions like mehendi or haldi.
• Pathani Style Kurta Pajama – Bold, structured, and often styled with boots or Kolhapuris.
• Short Kurta with Pajama or Churidar – Versatile and fun, can be styled up or down.

Once you know your kurta vibe, matching the right shoes becomes easier than choosing between jalebi and gulab jamun (okay, maybe not that easy, but you get it).

Top Shoe Picks to Rock with Kurta Pajama (and When to Wear Them)

1. Mojaris – The OG Choice

If Kurta Pajama for Men had a BFF, it would be mojaris. These traditional North Indian shoes are embroidered, pointed, and ooze royal vibes.

Best for: Weddings, receptions, sangeets
Pro tip: Go for leather or velvet mojaris with gold or silver detailing for a statement look.

2. Kolhapuris – The Cool Cousin Vibe

These open-toe wonders scream relaxed, ethnic coolness. Great for day events or destination weddings.

Best for: Haldi, mehendi, beach weddings
Pro tip: Go for tan or metallic finishes with a cotton Kurta Pajama to balance comfort with class.

3. Loafers – Fusion Meets Festive

Want to look modern yet traditional? Slide into loafers. Suede or velvet ones, especially in jewel tones like bottle green or wine, are total game-changers.

Best for: Cocktail parties, sangeet night
Pro tip: Loafers with tassels pair beautifully with short kurtas or Indo-western kurta pajamas.

4. Jodhpuri Boots – The Royal Rebel

Making a bold statement? These ankle-length, slightly heeled boots are a favourite among grooms looking to stand out.

Best for: Wedding day, regal themes, winter weddings
Pro tip: Choose boots in deep hues like maroon or navy to contrast with a beige or ivory Kurta Pajama.

5. Sandals with Straps – Understated Chic

It’s minimalist but elegant, perfect if you don’t want to draw too much attention to your feet but still look polished.

Best for: Pooja, intimate home functions

Pro tip: Avoid sporty sandals—stick to leather straps and slim soles to keep it stylish.

6. Slip-on Mules – The New Kid on the Block

Yes, you heard that right. Mules have entered the chat. They’re comfy, trendy, and surprisingly versatile.

Best for: Mehendi, casual wedding brunches
Pro tip: Embroidered or textured mules pair beautifully with pastel kurta pajamas.

Styling Tips to Elevate Your Kurta Pajama Footwear Game

Let’s get into some nitty-gritty, shall we?

Match the Shoe Tone with Your Accessories

Got a gold brooch? Opt for mojaris with gold detail. Wearing silver cufflinks? Grey loafers or silver-accented juttis can seal the look.

Mind the Length of the Kurta

Short kurtas? You can experiment with loafers, sneakers (yes, we’ll get to that), or mules. Long kurtas? Stick to traditional styles like juttis or kolhapuris.

Say No to Socks (unless boots are involved)

Nothing kills a vibe faster than socks peeking out from mojaris. Just don’t.

Clean and Polish!

This one’s basic, but crucial. Worn-out shoes can ruin even the most fabulous Kurta Pajama for Men. Keep them shining, and keep them smelling nice too. No one wants to do the bhangra next to stinky toes.

. Keep them shining, and keep them smelling nice too. No one wants to do the bhangra next to stinky toes.

Sneakers with Kurta Pajama? Let’s Talk

We know this is controversial… but yes, you can rock sneakers with a Kurta Pajama—if and only if the event is casual or fashion-forward.

Think fusion wear at a Gen Z haldi party or a blogger-style wedding brunch.

Choose:

• White low-top sneakers
• Chunky trainers (only if you’re confident in your street style game)
• Pastel canvas kicks with pastel kurtas

Avoid: Anything neon, high-top, or overly sporty. We’re not going for “gym meets groomsman” here.

Footwear by Function: Your Wedding Season Cheat Sheet

Where to Shop the Whole Look?

You don’t need to jump from store to store or spend hours scrolling through random options. Just head to Nihal Fashions—your one-stop ethnic fashion powerhouse. Whether you’re after classic Kurta Pajama for Men, Indo-western fusions, or statement footwear to match, they’ve got it all.

From wedding-ready sherwanis to stylish shoes that fit Indian feet (yes, that’s a thing), Nihal Fashions brings together tradition, trend, and terrific style—all under one (very fashionable) roof.

Final Thoughts: Walk the Talk

Let’s be real. When you walk into a wedding, people will look you up and down. You’ve got the swagger, the outfit—but don’t let your shoes be the weak link. With the right footwear, your Kurta Pajama doesn’t just look great—it tells the world you know what you’re doing.

So whether you’re the groom, the best man, or just there for the free food (we see you!), walk in like you own the mandap. And remember—every dashing desi outfit starts from the feet up.Ready to slay the wedding season? Shop your complete Kurta Pajama for Men at Nihal Fashions, and step out in style.

It’s 2am. I’m wide awake, attached to a breast pump, preparing for my toddler’s next feed. I could tackle the dirty dishes downstairs or prepare tomorrow’s breakfast. Instead, I scroll Instagram bleary-eyed, seeking momentary escape. Throughout my transition into motherhood, guilt has been my constant companion as I try to bounce back to my pre-pregnancy figure or make a dent in my to-do list. They say it takes a village, but delegating has always been my weakness. This struggle to relinquish control isn’t mine alone, but common among working mothers in India, who are often raised with the expectation of handling everything without complaint or assistance.

In Saumya Dave’s recently published novel The Guilt Pill, protagonist Maya Patel faces postpartum challenges similar to my own. As both a new mother and CEO, Maya wants to do it all in her personal and professional life. Even with a husband, family and colleagues eager to help, she doesn’t know how to take a break. The cultural imperative runs too deep. According to board-certified psychiatrist and author Dr. Sue Varma, “society has groomed women of colour to internalise the idea that self-reliance and over-functioning are markers of strength. In South Asian cultures, where family reputation is key, women are expected to fulfil multiple roles to perfection.”

Indian women are culturally conditioned to be grateful instead of asking for help. Anything less than absolute gratitude could risk judgment from society or extended family. Even in the workforce, juggling motherhood and professional obligations comes at a cost. According to Aon’s 2024 Voice of Women Study, 75% of working mothers reported career setbacks of one to two years after maternity leave. A costly price to pay in a culture that prefers hiring younger, cheaper talent and rewards those who constantly upskill.

Asking for help starts at home

For Gauri Agarwal, founder of Sihori, a craft brand that creates opportunities for artisanal women, delegation became less of a professional strategy and more of a personal lifeline. Growing up in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, Agarwal witnessed generations of women, including her own mother, living in financial dependence. The challenges that came with asking for help after breaking that generational cycle were another story. “I’m not sure if struggling with assigning tasks to others is an Indian thing, a woman thing or a ‘me’ thing, but I’ve always put immense pressure on myself to make everything my responsibility,” Agarwal admits. The friction in her marriage, coupled with postpartum depression and constant work travel, became a turning point. “How could I empower other women at work if I couldn’t help myself first?” Delegation was no longer an option for Agarwal, but a necessity.

Try this: Step outdoors for 10–15 minutes each morning—ideally without sunglasses or a glass window filtering the light. A balcony, garden or even the pavement outside your front door counts. If you’re up before sunrise or living in a high-rise, consider a 10,000-lux light therapy box to mimic early morning sun. Timing, not temperature, is the magic here.

#4 Phone a friend (or at least nod at your neighbour)

Humans are wired for connection. Social isolation doesn’t just feel bad, it can actively harm physical health. A meta-analysis found that weak social ties increased the risk of early death by 50%, comparable to well-known risk factors like obesity and smoking. Social connections also play a crucial role in regulating stress hormones. Research indicates that loneliness can heighten sensitivity to social threats, leading to increased activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and elevated cortisol levels.

Try this: Redefine connection as micro-interaction: a phone call on your walk, a message chain with your sibling or even small talk with the barista. You don’t need deep philosophical conversations—just regular social contact that reminds your brain it’s not alone. For introverts, even parasocial connections (reading, listening to voices, participating in online communities) can help. These daily doses of connection are some of the most underestimated longevity habits in modern life

#5 Walk it off—immediately after eating

Post-meal blood sugar spikes stress the body over time, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and visceral fat accumulation. A short walk—even two to 10 minutes—after eating can significantly reduce glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, according to some studies. The effect is especially powerful after carbohydrate-heavy meals and can be more beneficial than exercising at other times of day.

Try this: A lap around your living room, pacing a hallway or a stroll while taking a call. You don’t always need activewear or a specific pace. Even standing and folding laundry or swaying while you brush your teeth helps. The key is timing; move within 30 minutes of your last bite.

#6 Stretch something, anything

Stretching isn’t just about touching your toes; it keeps connective tissue springy, joints well-oiled and blood vessels happy. In one study, four weeks of lower-limb static stretching softened arterial stiffness—a win for heart health. A separate trial found that a daily stretching routine lowered resting blood pressure as effectively as brisk walking over eight weeks. Flexibility also tracks with overall musculoskeletal fitness: in the sit-and-rise test, people who could pop up from the floor unaided went on to preserve better balance, mobility and functional independence in later years.

She started by asking about my current wardrobe and colour preferences, then walked me through the process. Most colour analysts in Korea work with four seasonal palettes: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Woo covered my hair and T-shirt with white napkins to neutralise distractions, then held up over 60 colour swatches against my face.

I was surprised to see how certain shades made my skin tone look more radiant, while others completely washed me out. Interestingly, many of her observations aligned with choices I already make — bright colours and high contrast tend to suit me. She noted that pastel tones bring out the green and grey undertones in my face, which explained why I’ve always avoided them, even if I like them on others.

There were some unexpected takeaways too. While I assumed bright colours were my best match, Woo believed they were actually my second-best palette. Her top recommendation? Deep, wintry shades like forest green, navy, and maroon, hues I’d never considered before.

We then moved on to hair colour, jewellery tones, and makeup. This part fascinated me. She used a device to assess the red and yellow undertones in my skin and helped me identify my ideal foundation shade. Then she took a look at my personal makeup kit, which, unsurprisingly, was full of bright lipsticks and peachy blushes, and suggested I try softer, glossier finishes in shades like berry, rose pink, and cherry red.

It’s been a month since that appointment, and her advice has really stayed with me. I now find myself gravitating towards those wintry tones when I’m shopping, something I’ve never done before. I also picked up a few makeup items in Seoul based on her tips, and while the look is different from my usual style, I’ve been loving the change.

If you struggle with personal styling or often feel overwhelmed when shopping for the right clothes and makeup, I’d highly recommend trying a colour analysis session in South Korea. It’s insightful, surprisingly fun, and can really shift how you see yourself.

Tip: Go prepared with any styling questions you have, and carry your makeup bag along. Suzi will review your eyeshadow, blush and lipstick shades as part of the session.

Price: ₩120,000 (approx. ₹7,400) for a session

You may have addressed a stalemate in your life which may have led you to feeling more abundant and balanced – a lot like your cup is now fuller than it ever was before. Take some time off, meditate, reflect, journal or simply go on a short break where you get to not only recharge your batteries but also step away from a toxic situation or vicious cycle. In the long run, you only want contentment, peace and abundance and it is here for you to claim. Surrender your fears to your Angels and dare to dream your biggest dreams.

Cosmic tip: Hydrate like your life depends on it. It will help you detox your body, mind, heart and soul.

Going solo in your life or work environment might not be an ideal move right now, Sag. Get to the core of a situation, learn new tricks of the trade, stay focused on your ideal life scenario, your goals and everything else in your life. Adopt a non stop work approach, however, also be ready to get some help, delegate and take a breather. Playfulness is your USP, so keep that at the forefront allowing all else to fall in place with consistent planning and group efforts in the background.

Cosmic tip: Often the background score in a movie makes all the impact. So give your support system the credit they deserve and trust in the Universe’s ability to walk you through this time.

Instead of waiting for a saviour to come rescue you, Capricorn, you think it may be time to slowly detach from old scripts that keep running in your head? Yes, we know it is tough to simply walk away from all that you have previously known, it is challenging to alter habits and ways of thinking, it is challenging to restructure your relationships. However, when something becomes an unending burden in your life, maybe it is time to rewrite that story? Think about it. All may not be lost, more goodness may just be waiting on you to open a locked door.

Cosmic tip: Choose self respect. Stay gentle yet firm in your approach to life and relationships.

Besides classics, bold and colourful floral prints are also part of Dixit Nene’s wardrobe. Featuring a hand-beaded border and a floral print, this elegant satin Ashdeen sari is from the brand’s Floralista collection. The turquoise blouse complemented the sari border and jewellery from PNG Jewellers.

Floral yellow sari by Anita Dongre

Proving that bright colours aren’t just for the summer months, the actor wore a haldi-hued sari by Anita Dongre last December, pairing it with a sleeveless blouse. “Madhuri was wearing our Shalise Benarasi sari, crafted in rich silk fabric. The sari was handwoven by our artisans in Benaras. It is inspired by our signature flora and fauna motifs depicted intricately all over the fabric,” shares Anita Dongre in an earlier interview with Vogue India.

Black sari with pottery print by House of Masaba

Psychologists have a name for it: mirror anxiety–the discomfort that arises when the face you see no longer matches the one you’ve grown accustomed to seeing online. The reflection becomes uncanny. You look like yourself, but something feels off.

When self-improvement becomes self-replacement

Cosmetic culture has caught up to the algorithm. The language has softened, no longer ‘transformation’, just ‘tweaks’ and ‘maintenance’.

“Now, patients coem in with AI-generated images of their ideal face,” says Dr Lahari Surapaneni, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and CEO of Bangalore Hospitals. “Not celebrity photographs. Their own, just subtly warped by technology.”

In some ways, she finds this helpful, saying it makes communication easier, giving clients a level of control over the outcome. But she adds that AI doesn’t understand anatomy. “AI images focus on minuscule digital improvements—pixel redefinition, geometry warping, contour blurring. It doesn’t factor in scientific facial proportions, natural skin texture, or surgical guidelines.”

In her clinic, she uses the AI-generated images as a starting point. From there, they break down what’s surgical, what’s non-surgical and giving clients a clearer sense of what’s only possible in pictures.

As for the idea of “natural” beauty, it’s more curated than ever. “Natural is not by any means easier in terms of surgical technique or cost,” says Dr Surapaneni. “It requires an extremely tailor-made approach and more frequent small procedures, rather than one radical transformation.”

The emotional cost of the match

Where does that leave the person in the mirror? Somewhere between recognition and rejection.

“Many individuals come in not just wanting to look better, but to look like their filtered selves,” says Rohra. “This pursuit isn’t just aesthetic, it’s emotional. When someone identifies more with their edited image, cosmetic changes become an attempt to shrink that dissonance. But unless the emotional gap is addressed, no physical alteration truly satisfies.”

Dr Surapaneni echoes this when she says her role is to balance desire with reality. “Plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery is about making ‘dreams’ come true. But it also comes with managing expectations and explaining what’s possible based on anatomy and science.”

You, but not quite

Cosmetic work is subtler, language is softer, and the face you’re trying to match is your own, just tweaked by AI, filtered by default, stored as a saved image in your mind.