Posts in category: Life Style

Cosmic tip: Things will get better.

You light up when you see the sun shine, Gemini, and this small but meaningful act encapsulates your entire essence in an instance. Trust your inner knowing and act upon it without delay. When you get a flash of an insight, it is not for sitting on, instead it is for you to act upon. Take your health as seriously as you take your work and your personal life, because darling, your body is your only friend that stays with you until your last breath.

Cosmic tip: Balance all your needs to live a happy life.

Begin your morning by getting outdoors, Cancer. Prosperity awaits, as do opportunities, and you can make the most of this day by simply moving and stretching a bit before gluing yourself in front of that screen or getting lost in routine. Better still, keep this vitality flowing by infusing mild stretches and short walks into your coffee breaks. The world may expect you to be robotic, and one way to beat the system is by staying human. Soften your gaze, mind your business and keep going.

Cosmic tip: A slow morning is the perfect recipe for a successful day.

A part of you may be grieving – either for an old version of you or at the loss of a loved one. Leo, your angels surround you at this time, engulfing you in their warm embrace. You may not know it, but you are taken care of. This period of transition may feel rough, even uncertain, but it is here to lead you to a different room where you unbox your gifts in mysterious and sudden ways. Resources, opportunities, help, and people serendipitously arrive when you least expect them. Open your arms to receive now.

Cosmic tip: When you ask for help is when the cosmos sends it your way.

Write your heart out, get creative with your words, conjure stories, poems, and perhaps even some art – whatever helps you connect your mind and your body; and the simplest way of doing this is by putting pen to paper. Virgo, you have some ideas, emotions, and feelings that may be flooding through – be it about your lifestyle or anything else. Pay attention to them and honour your growing sensitivity to foods, content, and even people. As your energy elevates, so do your life choices.

“It certainly helps to see myself as beautiful when I have a partner who finds me and my skin sexy,” she admits. “When it first started, I tried so hard to suppress it and to hide it from the world. I stopped wearing open shoes or sleeveless clothes and had so many side effects from the steroids. It’s been a long road to becoming comfortable in this new skin–literally! When it came to choosing a wedding gown, though, I wanted something that would work with this autoimmune condition and also feel right for my emotions and visuals.”

Saying yes to the dress

Karishma went down a rabbit hole and did a lot of research but eventually, she discovered the bridal wear brand, Karleo, in her home city, Mumbai. She fell in love with Karan and Leon instantly and explained her situation: she had had vitiligo for a decade, and while she didn’t want to hide it completely, she also didn’t want to show it completely. Yet she wanted a gown that would complement her body, flaunt her shape, and had a very specific idea for the kind of lace to be used.

The duo delivered. They crafted an ivory gown that was simple, elegant, and very glamorous at the same time. They merged a fit and flare shape with a trumpet gown, added an exaggerated godet insert, kept the bottom unlined, and gave the dress a deep back. They chose a darker ivory shade since it brought more depth and suited her skin tone better. For the sleeves, they used digital imagery to hand-draw the artwork so that the placement of the hand-appliqued lace would go well with patches on her skin. The fabric was crafted by weaving the lace into the illusion Italian tulle so that it not only looked seamless but, most importantly, felt extremely soft on the bride’s skin. It took a total of 500 hours just to embroider the masterpiece.

The community wedding

The couple chose IFBE as their wedding venue, an erstwhile ice factory that is now a mixed-use space that hosts concerts and art exhibitions. The space is built around a 150-year-old Banyan tree, and the minute the couple laid eyes on it, they knew that was where they were going to get married. On D-Day, they ditched their respective religious rituals and did a simple signing before a very intimate group in the dining room overlooking the Banyan tree. They signed, exchanged personally-written vows, cut a cake and then popped open some bubbly, and there was not a dry eye in sight. This was followed by a party with a bigger crowd.

The couple didn’t hire a wedding planner but they have a strong community of friends who stepped in to help. Karishma worked with her production designer Aparna Sud, on the decor and the flowers were done by Mikhail’s aunt, Bharti Gulrajani, who specializes in floral artistry. The chef at IFBE turned out to be Mikhail’s classmate from school who went all out for their special day. The three-tier wedding cake was organised by Karishma’s friend, Ashi Dua. The invitation cards were illustrated and designed by another friend, Mini Mathur and her family. The photography was done by the well-known House on the Clouds studio, and this was a gift from her friend, Katrina Kaif. Instead of hiring round tables, they built extra-long community tables so that the bride and groom’s side could get to know each other and the celebration would feel intimate to their guests.

Whether you’re in the process of growing out a pixie cut or just want to add some extra length to your mane, growing your hair can be a frustrating process. Sometimes, it feels as though you’re just stuck in purgatory, with no noticeable change happening, and wondering: how fast does hair grow, really? But according to Anabel Kingsley, brand president and trichologist at Philip Kingsley, there are a few natural ways to maintain a healthy and consistent hair growth cycle – and it starts with understanding how it all works.

The four phases of hair growth

The hair growth cycle can be divided into four key phases: anagen, catogen, telogen and exogen.

Anagen (growth phase)

“It occurs when the cells in the root of your hair are most rapidly dividing, so more new hair is formed,” shares Kingsley. “During the anagen phase, your hair grows around half an inch a month – this lasts an average of three to five years, reaching around 18 to 30 inches.”

Catogen (transition phase)

This phase can last approximately 10 days. “This signals the end of active hair growth, cutting individual hairs off from the blood supply and the cells that produce new hair,” Kingsley adds. “Approximately three per cent of your hairs are in this stage at any given time.”

Telogen (resting phase)

“Here, strands remain in their follicles but are not actively growing – an estimated of 10 to 15 per cent of your hairs are in the telogen phase at any given time,” Kingsley explains. “This period lasts approximately three months.”

Exogen (hair fall)

Exogen is the final stage of the hair growth cycle: “This is when individual hair strands are released from their follicles and fall out.”

Which factors affect hair growth?

Before you start Googling ‘how fast does hair grow’ and make your plan of action, you need to understand what’s at play internally. “Internal factors that can affect hair growth from the follicle are hormonal imbalances, illness, nutritional deficiencies or genetics,” Kingsley shares. “External factors such as styling habits and the frequency of shampooing, along with environmental factors such as hard water and sun exposure, can all contribute to brittle hair and breakage at the ends.”

Heat styling without adequate care can also stunt the growth of hair, she says. “Always use heat protection and alternate weekly pre-shampoo treatments between a deep conditioning mask and bond repair treatment, while minimising the use of heat where possible.”

What causes hair loss?

“Hair loss can happen for many different reasons and it is important to identify the correct type of hair loss in order to resolve it with the correct remedy,” Kingsley explains. “For example, if your hair loss is due to a genetic predisposition such as female or male pattern baldness, a nutritional supplement may help.” However, there are so many different medical treatments and solutions available to tackle this issue. “I’d always recommend seeing a trichologist for a proper diagnosis.”

Is it possible to speed up your hair growth cycle?

Your hair growth cycle cannot be “sped up” as such, but it can be optimised. “I would often recommend a quality hair supplement to boost the essential nutritional levels required for hair health, so that your hair has what it needs to grow,” explains Kingsley.

Adding the use of topical scalp drops can also help to minimise the rate of hair shedding, she says. “Tackling breakage can make a huge difference to hair growth and achieving length – introducing a deep-conditioning treatment along with a bond repair treatment will help to repair and prevent dryness and damage, which can lead to split ends.”

How stress affects hair growth

Fixating on whether your hair is growing fast enough – or even growing at all – will not help the process. In fact, stress can actually contribute to making the problem worse if you are experiencing hair thinning or a stunted growth cycle. The good news is that simple, practical steps can be taken to help boost the strength, health and length of your hair. According to Kingsley, “optimising your hair and scalp health will in turn support hair growth”. Think specialised scalp serums, switching to a softer hairbrush, and incorporating the occasional salt-scrub scalp massage into your routine.

Also read:

Are supplements the new superfood? Here’s a peek inside India’s nutraceutical boom

You have been oiling your hair the wrong way–here’s the right way to do it

Are you washing your hair at night? This is what a dermatologist wants you to know

Summer is the season of discovery, new beginnings, constant experimentation, and maxi skirts. If in winter we tend to prefer comfort, such as dark colors, classic cuts and traditional fits, with the arrival of summer, the desire to challenge ourselves and test new territories also grows. Where black once ruled, big colors, materials, and effects now reign. The garment in question, subject to spring experimentation, is the skirt, a must-have of the warm season. Not short–not even midi–but maxi.

Getty Images

With its ample volume, often enriched by flounces, pleats, or layers of tulle, the maxi skirt is the elegant passepartout for tackling a workday in style, as well as a dinner with friends. With each step, the silhouette is transformed, thanks to the soft waves created in the fabrics, catching the light and, inevitably, the attention as well. Whether in light chiffon, structured cotton or fluffy tulle, this skirt has the power to evoke magical, fairy-tale atmospheres. The volume does not hide, but enhances, accompanying movement. When wearing a maxi skirt you will immediately feel like a princess, free to twirl with confidence and style.

The beauty of the maxi skirt also lies in its versatility. It can be worn with a minimal crop top for a casual look, or with a soft blouse and it immediately becomes boho style. An oversized sweater tucked inside the belt can break up the romance and create a relaxed urban street style. On the feet, everything is allowed, and the choice of perfect summer shoes is vast, from sandals and flip-flops to sneakers and ballet flats.

Maxi full skirt

Characterised by a wide and flowing silhouette, often made of lightweight fabrics such as cotton or tulle, the maxi full skirt is an iconic pattern reminiscent of the 1950s style, perfect for a romantic and feminine look.

Flounced maxi skirt

The flounced maxi skirt is composed of overlapping layers of fabric. What makes it so special are the colours, often vibrant, as well as the floral motifs that return in the pattern. The ruffles, on the other hand, add volume and movement, making this garment adaptable to different styles, from boho chic to the most elegant.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images

Pleated maxi skirt

The pleated maxi skirt is actually neater and more minimalist. The pleats, often made of lightweight fabrics such as cotton or silk, give a delicate movement to the look with a romantic allure. For a formal chic outfit, you could wear it with a pair of ballet flats.

Instagram @capucinerqllrt

Tulle maxi skirt

The tulle maxi skirt is a long, fluffy garment usually made with overlapping layers of tulle, a lightweight, transparent and slightly stiff fabric. Because of this structure, the skirt creates an effect between romantic and dreamy. The tulle moves gracefully with each step, floating slightly in the air and giving the silhouette a certain lightness. The colours tend to be delicate, such as pastel pink, white or light blue.

Spotlight – Francesca Babbi

Spotlight – Francesca Babbi

Denim maxi skirt

After jackets, jeans and mini dresses, the denim maxi skirt is a must-have for spring. Especially if it is cut into a circle or gathered at the waist, it creates a more pronounced architectural movement than that created by tulle, yet still very cool. The denim maxi skirt is chic and feisty at the same time.

Cosmic tip: Let the purity of your heart be the reason goodness and riches flow to you.

There are various parts of your life that go into making a whole, complete symphony, Sagittarius, much like music. Today enjoy your favourite playlist, put your feet up or kick those heels off, relax in your skin and spend time with loved ones actually re-evaluating what is so important to you now. You are waking up to new versions of yourself everyday and although go-go-go may have been your approach in the recent past, it no longer works for you. Find your confidence in yourself to find that no matter what you do or don’t, you still are enough and ‘productive’.

Cosmic tip: Detox your mind, body and spirit to regain your footing.

If you’ve been struggling with abundance or money challenges, could it be that you may have closed your heart to life on account of deep wounds you may have experienced? Now Capricorn, we get it, it is not easy to laugh about lost battles and deep gashes. But when you isolate yourself because of self preservation, even the goodness of life finds it difficult to spot your location. In conflict you often find the ripest moments for change, and this right here, is one of them. Remember unless you till the soil, you cannot sow anything in it – life’s a lot like that.

Cosmic tip: The fairies are listening, make a wish.

Drink more water to regain your mental and emotional balance, Aquarius. You may be an air sign but you are also the water bearer, and this is an important point to remember. For your mental clarity to shine, your emotions crave balance. Focus a little on making peace with your mother figures or caregivers. Heal your relationships by simply picking the phone and making a call. Show yourself some more love by detaching your identity from that of what others told you, you were capable of or not. In the icy chambers of your heart, make popsicles that light up your inner child with joy.

Cosmic tip: Deep clarity thrives with a deeper self-acceptance.

When you really muster up that courage to see things through irrespective of what your fears and insecurities tell you, you find a way to not only prove them wrong, but also make them a little softer because you turn up the volume on your self-belief and faith. Pisces, express yourself more fully, find that cool, calm, breezy space within your heart and let everything flow from there. Your strength is your ability to communicate empathically, don’t drown your voice because those who don’t wish to meet themselves deeply tell you to. Your job is to keep your innate nature alive and free. That’s all.

Cosmic tip: Let your ideas flow.

We know Aries season has felt like an acid trip, but Taurus season is here to give you a breather. You’ve been running on rocket fuel—ideating, brainstorming and pub-hopping—but deep down, you’ve also been yearning to bask in the sun like a cat that’s earned its nap. Starting April 20, things will slow down to remind you that life is not a sprint but a marathon. This grounded energy is all about reclaiming your peace, mastering the art of doing nothing and finding beauty in simple things—like well-folded laundry, a perfectly ripe avocado or a playlist that just gets you. Less chaos, more candles.

Taurus

This is your season, and you thrive in it like no one else. Almost like a barren garden coming back to life. You are finally finding a way to put structure to your softness. As you slow down, you trigger immense emotional healing, allowing your body to purge decades of trapped trauma. Taurus season helps you fuse your intuition with logic laid on a platter of emotional temperance and agility. Your material needs are safeguarded, as is your spot in the world.

Scorpio

What are you ignoring that is unfolding in front of your eyes? Unfool yourself, Scorpio, and rise above the petty conflict that only seeks to pull you down. You have bigger things to focus on, and this season brings in productivity blended with rest and pleasure—a unique mix guaranteed to help you thrive. It may feel like a lot of what is happening is beyond your control, but your angels have your back.

Aquarius

It’s time to build—a team, a dream, a vision, an empire; the choice is yours. Your progress will be marked by the personal milestones you achieve, not by the standards previously laid upon you. This is a great time for relationships and community—your friendships will thrive, and the support will feel rock solid. Steadily keep setting one foot in front of the other to create a lasting impact.

Pisces

If you’ve been reflecting on your life and where it may be headed, a recent development may have gotten you excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead. A joining of hearts or fusing of purposes leads to a new beginning where your next steps become clear. This season allows you to think ahead in a mature and balanced manner, helping you lay foundations for the long run. All your hard work is being rewarded.

Virgo

Tangifying ideas and walking towards sunshine are your themes right now. As you let the cosmos guide you forward, you also step onto firm ground from castles built in the air. Gear up to do all the work needed to thrive in your fellow earth sign’s season, but also remember to stay steady. Your practical approach to life is what makes you win at it.

Aries

Your emotional maturity is commendable, Aries, and as you continue to stay adaptive along the way, you create sparks with your ideas, resources and presence. Let your foresight guide you as you roll up your sleeves and get down to chasing your commitments. Shake the foundations and light a few fires along the way—not to burn but to illuminate.

From velvety smoky eyes to luminous skin, this week’s beauty looks felt intentional yet instinctive—edited, not overdone. Kohl showed up as a throughline, but it was the subtleties, soft blend, the unexpected pairings, the lightness of touch, that gave each look its edge.

Whether it was Janhvi Kapoor’s kohl-drenched gaze or Bhumi Pednekar’s glazed lids, the eyes were centre stage. Some went high-shine and glossy, others leaned into retro nostalgia or tonal romance. But all struck that elusive balance: statement-making without screaming for it.

Janhvi Kapoor marked Vishu and Puthandu with a look that felt rooted and radiant. Dressed in traditional finery, she leaned into the drama with bold kohl-lined eyes, a classic red bindi, and luminous, dewy skin that caught the light just so. Her soft pink lip added a youthful counterpoint to the heavy eyes, while jewellery—mangtika, jhumkas, layered neckpieces—turned the ensemble into a full period film fantasy, the kind that ends in a slow-motion twirl.

Khushi Kapoor’s turn as the showstopper for Shyamal & Bhumika at Bombay Times Fashion Week was all about opulence. She closed the show in a ruby wine lehenga with kohl-rimmed eyes that gave way to sunset-hued lids in a seamless gradient, the kind that reads expensive on camera and in person. Her full-coverage base, arched brows, and high-gloss lips added polish, while the restraint in colour kept things refined, not theatrical.

Kareena Kapoor Khan served up old-school glamour in Tarun Tahiliani. With a stunning gold and emerald choker, her beauty look was smartly edited: smoked kohl liner, rose-blush cheeks, and a timeless nude lip. It echoed her iconic late ’90s playbook, when a smudged eye and centre-parted blowout were all she needed. Here, too, the makeup played backup, allowing the jewellery to do the loud talking.

Sonam Kapoor, styled by Rhea Kapoor and Abhilasha Devnani, looked every bit the Dior muse at the brand’s pre-show event. Her makeup—a tonal symphony of coral and petal pink—was soft-focus but precise. The eyes, cheeks and lips melted into each other, blurring the line between blush and eyeshadow. A subtle winged liner and feathered lashes offered definition without disrupting the romantic palette. A sakura dream, filtered through a Kapoor lens.

Disha Patani leaned into full retro-glam at the MAMI Select unveiling, channelling Madhuri Dixit Nene’s iconic Dhak Dhak era. The eyes were thickly rimmed in smoked-out kohl, dark and diffused in that very specific ’90s way—dramatic without dragging down the whole look. A matte nude lip and brushed-up brows kept things grounded, balancing the throwback without tipping into costume.

The sari has proven itself an enduring style staple in Janhvi Kapoor’s wardrobe. Sometimes, it’s an of-the-moment concept sari gown laden with sequins, glass beads, and crystals. Else, the drape is wispy with lots of floral prints as she steps out for casual and professional appointments. Then there are her classic silks — from Kanjeevarams to Korvais. Cue: the ivory sari she wore to celebrate Vishu and Puthandu recently.

To celebrate the Malayali and Tamilian New Year, the actor wore her cultural heritage on her sleeve (quite literally) with a beige-and-gold-bordered ivory Korvai sari.

Korvai is a weaving technique that adds a stately touch to the Kanjeevaram sari. The word translates to “to bind together” in Tamil — aptly so, as the age-old textile craft involves weaving the body and border of the drape separately before threading them together. The border is often woven in zari and resham threads (in a shade different from the canvas) to create various designs. The motifs in Korvai — rows of triangles — borrow inspiration from the gopuram, the monumental and ornate domes of temples in South India. The resulting confluence of contrasts, colours, and motifs makes every Korvai silk sari a piece of art.

Though Kapoor wore a humble, cap-sleeved blouse with a delicate gold border, she indulged generously with accessories. Her prized Kanjeevaram silk served as a backdrop for some elaborate temple jewellery, which included a pair of gold-and-pearl-encrusted jhumkas, a statement necklace layered with a delicate chain, and a large stack of kadas. The pièce de resistance that belted the traditional look securely in place was the kamarbandh embossed with depictions of gods and goddesses. Defined by sacred sentiment, temple jewellery pieces seem to have evolved into modern-day mainstays in festive wardrobes.

There’s a reason why Kapoor repeatedly returns to classic saris and jewellery. If styled smartly, nothing transcends trends, occasions, and seasons like a six-yard silk. Which other attire could help you slay daytime pheras and a late-evening party with the same nonchalance?

Also read:

Janhvi Kapoor’s tangerine Gaurav Gupta gown was embellished with 35,000 crystals

Janhvi Kapoor’s sage gold Gaurav Gupta half-sari is steeped in 2,500 pearls and 1,000 fine crystals

Janhvi Kapoor’s ombré Nachiket Barve sari is an ode to Sridevi’s Chandni

Cosmic tip: As you flow with your relationships, you find that swimming through life becomes an easier task.

Do labels really matter, Sag? Does it really matter what others compartmentalise you as or does it matter that you embody your essence wherever you go? Stay flexible in all that comes your way, Sagittarius. You may think you are an actor but really you may be better at directing or even singing – so instead of limiting yourself to one role – remind yourself that you are an artist that is here to paint your canvas of life with brilliant colours and roles that the cosmos may bring your way. Your heart will always lead you in the right direction – so go on and pay a little more attention to it.

Cosmic tip: Your vision is here to heal.

The place where your heart and voice meet is the place where you are headed to, Capricorn. Beauty abounds in your life and as you take your time to really ease into this new rhythm, you realise that hiding in your cave until now has not led you very far. Instead, your talents and skills need to see daylight and the more willing you are to let them out, the more fulfilling and rich your life becomes. No matter what – each day find a reason or two to smile – let it fill your heart and shine through your eyes. This will help you tap into your inner reserves of peace and tranquillity irrespective of what life throws your way.

Cosmic tip: Like the wildflowers, you are capable of blooming wherever you spot an opportunity.

Some may call you cold hearted and some may refer to you as the steely, emotionless one – but Aquarius, you know what needs attention when and while your soft emotional self may be something you are nurturing within, remember to put on your armour to get things done. Your mind is running at the speed of light, and your ideas are flashing through even faster. This is your time to be fearless and don your boss-hat. There is little time for the frivolous stuff – pay attention to what needs to be done and trust that the choices you are making are the right ones for this moment.

Cosmic tip: The magic you need is arriving shortly.

The more you trust in your abilities, the more you invest in building yourself up, in adding a dash of sparkle in your everyday life. Pisces, this is a time to listen within, to fire up that intuition and refer to your personal guide book that lies dormant in your hand. Until and unless you dare to take the first step, it will not open up. Your wildest dreams are calling, and it is not more important than ever to anchor your inner light and set your trail ablaze with your unique fragrance. The more you open up to receiving support, the more your heart heals and the more abundance flows into your life.

Cosmic tip: Don’t give up just yet.

The hallway with its chequered flooring and a giant squid sculpture in a glass case acts as a landing between the bar above and the open kitchen and dining space below. Upstairs, the atmosphere is intimate and inviting, the burlwood bar beckoning you to dive into the many libations on offer. There’s 168 Hours, a mixture of Bacardi Ocho, soya, kimchi and orange juice, for those who want to start slow, and Three to Mango, made up of Jameson Black Barrel, mango, mustard and fennel, for those who want to make the most of the season of the king of fruits. There are also four tap cocktails if you don’t want to wait too long for your drink to arrive, as is the case with bars filled to the brim in Mumbai. A menu-zine titled ‘Revelations’ features ten signature cocktails with unexpected flavour profiles that combine Don Julio Blanco, pandan syrup and squid liquid (Cthulhu), and Godawan No. 2, banana, pandan and caramel tea (Duct Tape).