Posts in category: Life Style

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).

If beast-mode perfumes throw a party when they enter the room, skin scents are the ones already on the couch, curled up in cashmere and mystery. They don’t announce themselves with a flourish; they lean in, whisper-soft, hanging in the air like a memory you can’t quite place. These are the scents made to sit close on skin, in collarbones, maybe even under your clothes. Clean but not soapy, often genderless, and most importantly, made to smell like you—only better. They linger, not linger on.

“Skin scents can be thought of as ‘introverted’ scents, because they are so close to your skin and not loud or overpowering,” Frank Voelkl, principal perfumer at international flavour and fragrance company dsm-firmenich, tells Vogue.

Musk plays a starring role here, especially white musks and modern molecular varieties, because of its ability to mimic the warm, subtly animalic quality of skin itself. But unlike the cloying musks of the ’80s, today’s versions are sheer, airy, and almost translucent. “Musk is a key component in skin scents, often creating a ‘second skin’ effect,” adds Voelkl.

And there lies the magic: musk, often layered with powdery florals, warm woods, or light ambers, builds that soft-focus intimacy. You smell like yourself—just slightly edited, like a flattering filter no one knows you’re wearing.

Below, 11 luxurious and skin-close perfumes from cult favourites to indie treasures that blur the line between fragrance and feeling.

Givenchy Irresistible Nude Velvet

This is a skin scent with a couture sensibility. Powdery iris meets white musk and soft cedarwood in a cloud-like composition that feels polished yet personal. It’s not trying to seduce the whole room, just the one person who matters–you.

Byredo Super Cedar

Cedar is typically all sharp edges and Nordic forests, but in Byredo’s hands, it’s been sanded down to velvet. Super Cedar wraps the woody note in a transparent musk veil, giving it the clean sensuality of a borrowed sweater covered in rose petals. Linear, elegant, and oddly addictive.​

Matière Première Parisian Musc

If you’re after a skin scent with a bit of French editorial nonchalance, look to Parisian Musc by Matière Première. Built around ambrette seed—the only naturally derived musk—it has a soft, velvety texture that melds effortlessly with skin. The fig note adds a milky green freshness, while a hint of cedarwood lends just enough structure to keep it from floating away entirely. It wears like a luxurious white t-shirt: simple, sensual, and surprisingly memorable.

Xerjoff Apollonia

Inspired by the vast stillness of space and the moon landing of 1969, Apollonia is a minimalist’s dream from the maximalist house of Xerjoff. At its core is a creamy iris that feels dewy and luminous, softened by a smooth, clean musk. There’s no clutter—just a celestial calm that reads more like light on skin than perfume. The dry-down? Ethereal. If moon dust had a scent, this would be it.

Le Labo Another 13

Originally created for AnOther magazine, this cult hit is all about ambroxyde—an abstract, skin-adjacent molecule with a clean-salty vibe. On some, it smells like photocopier paper and suede. On others, like warm skin and cashmere. Either way, it becomes uniquely yours.​

Glossier You

If you think about it, vitamin D is pretty amazing—our skin actually makes it from sunlight. In fact, vitamin D is the only vitamin our bodies can synthesise in sufficient quantities just from exposure to energy from our planet’s vital star.

This unique vitamin is essential for all sorts of body functions, especially for helping maintain a strong skeleton. But not just that: low vitamin D levels have been linked to everything from depression to cancer, so it’s safe to say that the “sunshine vitamin” is pretty important.

However, most of us just don’t get enough. In India, the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency ranged from 40% to 99%, with many studies reporting a prevalence of 80%–90%. While it is possible to get vitamin D from a handful of foods, the main culprit really is a lack of exposure to the sun.

That said, we all know that getting enough sun is not always easy. And, since too much sun exposure carries other risks, it also isn’t a great idea to just soak up the rays with abandon. Instead, it is essential to make sure we’re doing everything we can to amp up our vitamin D levels in the healthiest ways possible.

Below, a look at seven things to do now to avoid vitamin D deficiency.

Add magnesium

Magnesium is essential for properly metabolising vitamin D and transporting it in the blood. “Nutrients usually act in a coordinated manner in the body. Intestinal absorption and subsequent metabolism of a particular nutrient, to a certain extent, is dependent on the availability of other nutrients,” a recent report in the National Library of Medicine explains. “Magnesium assists in the activation of vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis to influence the growth and maintenance of bones.” In other words, a magnesium deficiency can exacerbate a vitamin D deficiency, so be sure you’re getting enough of both.

Eat a vitamin D-rich diet

It seems basic, but incorporating foods that have high levels of vitamin D can help if your levels are low. The nutrient is fat-soluble, which means it’s best absorbed when eaten with something like dairy. Fill your plate with foods like salmon and rainbow trout; full-fat dairy like milk and yoghurt; and fortified foods like orange juice and cereal.

Be consistent

If you’re worried about vitamin D deficiency, it may be tempting to go for a high single dose in the form of ampoules of over 100,000 IU. However, that seems to be less effective for maintaining constant blood levels over the long term than simply taking smaller regular doses of around 800 to 2000 IU daily. Mega-doses should instead be reserved for cases of severe deficiency and must be prescribed by a doctor.

Take your vitamin D supplement with food

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it dissolves in lipids; That’s why it’s usually offered in oily formulations. To optimise its absorption, it is best to take your supplement with a meal that’s loaded with healthy fats, like avocado, seeds, nuts, mackerel, sardines, and salmon. Some studies also suggest that it is best to take it with your largest meal of the day to maximise its benefits.

Add vitamin K

Vitamin D is involved in bone metabolism, notably by increasing the intestinal absorption of calcium and indirectly of phosphorus. Vitamin K, another fat-soluble vitamin, also plays a role in bone health as it promotes the binding of calcium to bone. It also acts in synergy with vitamin D: “Taken together, animal and human studies suggest that optimal concentrations of both vitamin D and vitamin K are beneficial for bone and cardiovascular health as supported by genetic, molecular, cellular, and some human studies,” a scientific review found.

Morning exposure

If you’re not a morning person, this might not be for you, but studies show that taking in sunlight first thing in the morning (or before 10 in the morning) will help give your body the vitamin D boost it needs, along with setting your circadian rhythm. Factors you should take into account: The weather, your skin tone, and where you live in relation to the equator. It should also be noted that this isn’t a reason to forgo sunscreen, which is needed to protect from free radicals and prevent skin cancer.

Get regular blood tests

The only real way to know if you’re lacking vitamin D is to get a blood test. This will help you get a sense of your baseline, eliminate guesswork, and take the best course of action. (For the record, a level of over 30 ng/ml is considered optimal.)

This story first appeared in Vogue.com

Also read:

7 vitamin D-rich foods to add to your plate, according to experts

Vitamin D supplements can boost immunity and promote bone health, according to experts

Vogue’s SPF guide: 40 best sunscreens for summer

If you’re in a The White Lotus state of mind—palm trees, tousled beach hair, and hammocks facing the clear blue waters—then you’re already thinking of beach style staples. This summer is all about embracing a little indulgence—forget packing light; it’s time to pack right (and perhaps a little ridiculously) when it comes to beach style. From oversized sunglasses to dramatic kaftans, here’s the ultimate guide to building your perfect beach wardrobe.

Basket case (In the best way)

Your beach bag is the ultimate multitasker. It carries your sunscreen, snacks, sunglasses, and anything else you may need to live your best beach life—think Mary Poppins-esque, but make it chic. Loewe’s Iraca palm baskets bring artisanal charm with a dash of “I summer in Capri” energy. Chloé’s summer crocheted hobo bags add a laid-back, luxurious touch, while Bottega Veneta’s Hop bag offers a sleek, structured design that transitions seamlessly from beachside to bar. Whether you want something sculptural or slouchy, your bag should make a statement of its own

Chloé – Summer Banana hobo bag in raffia

Cosmic tip: Soften up the tough love. Open your heart to new adventures.

Forgive people for not understanding your unique needs, forgive your life gone by, forgive yourself for the choices you wish you had made differently. Taurus, it is time to let go of anger and blame, because that is what is weighing your health, wellness, relationships, money and life down. You don’t need to be like everyone else, because you never were meant to be. Accept your uniqueness in totality and build your faith in yourself once again.

Cosmic tip: Believe in yourself because your angels believe in you.

Wisdom flows through you as you engage in creative pursuits, Gemini. You’ve started something, now see it through. You know you are a wise old soul that can see through BS and lies. But you don’t need to go proving to the world that you can. Some truths are meant for us to know and own. Simplify your life, put your energy into the basics and come back to the drawing board when you are ready. You are perfect just as you are and your manifesting power lies in your words – so choose them wisely.

Cosmic tip: Complete what is at hand, and then make a fresh start.

Get curious about life, Cancer. The stress you take is firstly, not yours to carry. When did you lose faith in the cosmos’ ability to have your back? You don’t need to grow or learn or anything else anymore, you simply need to hydrate. Drink more water to get your energy flowing, live light and accept things as they are to not only make light of the situation but also to see the light in others and yourself. Everyone does the best they can as do you. And sometimes your best is to simply put your feet up and relax.

Cosmic tip: Rejuvenate and make friends along the way. The best way to get through in life is to learn how to get along.

Your worries, fears, anxieties, habits, successes, perceptions – everything has roots in your family history, Leo. You are immensely gifted and while you may want to change a lot that is ongoing in your life currently, you must also remember that the answers you seek will be found in objectively learning more about your family and history. Be it a health challenge, a money mindset shift or relationships, act differently to make a change. Move your body, stretch, go for a walk – do anything to shift your energy.

Spend time with your pets, or children or in nature, Scorpio. If you have animal spirit guides crossing paths with you, showing up repeatedly even as text – they have a message for you.a quick search on the internet with a calm mind will help you pick on the exact wisdom they are here to share with you. For some who may be contemplating tuning into their psychic abilities – it is a good time and a green signal from the cosmos. You’ve been someone else for way too long, lived someone else’s visions for you for a long long time – now is your time to get creative and live life on your own terms – of course, all while keeping your treasured few happy as well.

Cosmic tip: Take a day off to let your horses run wild and free.

‘Heena’, © Spandita Malik, courtesy of Robert Mann Gallery, 2025

Over two years, the New York-based photographer traversed the hinterlands of Rajasthan and Punjab, photographing survivors of domestic abuse. But her process didn’t end at documenting the women. Once the portraits were taken, she transposed them onto homespun khadi cloth and sent them back to the subjects. The women were free to do whatever they wished with their portraits—embroider, paint, tear, stitch, scratch out. Parween embroidered three women around her, her little army. This work of art, in addition to the portraits of women whom Malik consciously sought out, is part of her ‘Nā́rī’ series. When other women heard about ‘Nā́rī’, they reached out to Malik with their own stories, encouraging friends who had suffered through the same atrocities to come forward as well. These portraits became part of a new series linked to ‘Nā́rī’ titled ‘Jāḷī—Meshes of Resistance’.

Gaining the women’s trust to photograph them in their own homes, the same sites of violence where they had been abused, could not have been an easy feat. It helped that Malik wasn’t an outsider, her gaze wasn’t white, and she wasn’t a reporter trying to extract a story. Many of them were women she had met while working at not-for-profit centres for survivors of domestic abuse across Punjab and Rajasthan. “The women in these self-help groups would work on traditional embroideries like phulkari and tell me about their friends who hadn’t made it to the centres yet but work out of their homes,” Malik says. “They took me on long walks in their villages to make me meet these friends. That’s how the network grew.”

When your best friend is getting married, it’s not just her big day—it’s yours too! After all, from helping her pick the perfect outfit to dancing your heart out at the sangeet, you’re going to be in the spotlight too. And that means your outfit needs to be nothing short of fabulous. Whether you’re the bridesmaid, the partner-in-chaos, or the emotional rock, your lehenga should match the vibe.

Here are 7 breathtaking lehenga designs that will turn heads at every wedding function—because when your BFF shines, you shine too!

1. Mirror Work Magic for the Sangeet Night

A mirror work lehenga is the ultimate pick for sangeet. Reflective embellishments shine under the stage lights and add that extra dazzle while you dance. Go for vibrant hues like electric blue, hot pink, or mustard yellow to match the high-energy vibe. Pair it with a trendy blouse—think cold-shoulder or cape sleeves—for that modern glam.

Style Tip: Keep your makeup bold and hair tied up in a sleek ponytail or bun to let the lehenga do the talking.

2. Floral Embroidered Lehengas for the Mehendi Function

Fresh, fun, and feminine—floral lehengas are perfect for daytime mehendi ceremonies. Opt for lightweight fabrics like georgette or organza with playful flower embroidery or printed motifs. Mint green, blush pink, or powder blue can complement the outdoor setup beautifully.

Style Tip: Accessorize with floral jewelry or gota-patti bangles to complete the festive look.

3. Banarasi Brocade Lehenga for the Wedding Ceremony

Traditional yet timeless, Banarasi lehengas exude rich elegance. Perfect for the pheras or main wedding function, a Banarasi lehenga in jewel tones like maroon, emerald, or royal blue will give you a regal presence. It’s a wonderful blend of grace and grandeur, making you look wedding-ready while still letting the bride shine.

Style Tip: Drape your dupatta neatly on one side and pair with statement jhumkas and a low bun.

4. Sequin Lehengas for the Cocktail Night

When it’s time to raise a toast and party in style, nothing beats the glamour of a sequin-studded lehenga. A fully embellished sequin lehenga in metallic shades like silver, gold, or midnight black will make you look like the star of the night.

Style Tip: Go minimal with jewelry, and let your highlighter and heels bring in the sparkle.

5. Pastel Organza Lehengas for the Haldi Ceremony

Light, breezy, and super Insta-worthy—pastel organza lehengas are a go-to for the haldi function. The softness of the fabric paired with subtle embroidery or ruffles gives you that ethereal, almost fairy-like look. Shades like lemon yellow, peach, or lilac work wonders during sunny outdoor ceremonies.

Style Tip: Add a floral tiara or a quirky pair of sunglasses for a playful twist.

6. Velvet Lehengas for the Reception

Velvet is luxury redefined. For the reception, a deep-colored velvet lehenga with intricate embroidery or zardozi work creates a rich and refined look. Burgundy, midnight green, or navy blue are great choices that look stunning for evening events.

Style Tip: Go for soft curls and a bold lip. A velvet clutch and elegant heels complete the ensemble.

7. Fusion Lehenga with Jacket or Cape

For that one function where you want to keep things edgy and contemporary—maybe the engagement or welcome dinner—try a fusion lehenga. A cape lehenga or jacket-style lehenga brings in Indo-Western charm with flair. Embellished jackets or sheer capes layered over a crop top and skirt can elevate your look instantly.

Style Tip: Choose sleek accessories and play with monochromes or color-blocked styles to stand out.

Read more – Bridal Lehenga Inspiration for the Contemporary Bride

Final Thoughts

Your bestie’s wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration—and your lehenga game should reflect just how special the occasion is. From traditional charm to modern glam, there’s a stunning lehenga for every function and mood. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, cuts, and textures. After all, this is your time to shine too!

Whether you’re twirling on the dance floor, striking poses for Instagram, or shedding a happy tear during the vows—make sure your lehenga tells its own unforgettable story.

The first time I ever held a baby, I knew immediately: I am going to have one of these someday. This thought was somehow preposterous, given that I was around 11 at the time. But as I cradled my brand-new infant cousin (while sitting down, of course, given that I absolutely should not have been trusted to protect her soft head on my own two feet) and listened to my dad’s girlfriend exchange postpartum chitchat with my aunt—“Is she sleeping?” “Are you sleeping?”—I knew I eventually wanted in on this funny little sorority of maternal wisdom that, as an only child, I’d never previously known existed.

My more-than-passing interest in babies only grew as I got older. Not only did I get birth doula-certified as part of a requirement for a Reproductive Justice seminar I took in college (no, I don’t know how to deliver your baby, but yes, I would be great at passing the time by facilitating conversation about the Kardashians in the delivery room), but I spent most of my undergrad summers nannying for the same Brooklyn family. This family had one son at the time, a cheerful little cherub of a nine-month-old when I met him who somehow turned two, then three, then almost four by the time I graduated, and I’m still in awe at his mom’s extremely unfussy way with him.

I barely had any infant experience when I started, yet instead of taking one look at my clunky Doc Martens and tattered Goodwill witch dresses and showing me the door, the baby’s mom encouraged me to take her son anywhere I pleased, from the Coney Island Aquarium to the Bareburger on Court Street. I would buckle him into the Snugli, fill a tote bag with diapers and puffed cereal, and we’d be off, him squealing with joy every time we passed a garbage truck and me vowing to be exactly this kind of loving yet chill mother someday when—not “if”—I had kids.

I kept nannying on and off after college, and the more chaotic and unstable my personal life was, the more sure I was of my dream of motherhood. Having never had a serious relationship, it was weirdly easier to picture myself as a someday-single mom than to imagine sharing the responsibility of having a kid with any of the various f**kboys, ghosting-prone girls and nonbinary commitment-avoiders I dated in my twenties. “I want a kid by the time I’m 35,” I would proudly declare to anyone who asked throughout the years, even referencing my sureness about my desire to parent in my memoir. I would read books by the likes of Sheila Heti, Michelle Tea and Meaghan O’Connell about ambivalence toward parenthood and feel drawn to their honesty, yet unable to recognise myself. I might not have known how I’d conceive, who I’d parent with, or how I’d pay for literally any of it, but I knew parenting was for me. Until…it maybe wasn’t?