Posts in category: Life Style

Kurta Pajama for Men is one of the highly stylized and classical wear in the entire Indian closet. Wedding festival, or even a casual family gathering, you need to find the right fabric that will style you best. Cotton Kurta Pajama or Silk- you name it: both have their charms. But which will suit you most? Let us find out the advantages and disadvantages so that one can decide accordingly.

Understanding the Kurta Pajama for Men

The best example of simple elegance and comfort in Indian mens fashion is Kurta Pajama. Consists of an extended tunic-style top (kurta) with either loose fitting or normal fitted pants (pajama), it is a timeless attire. There are several fabrics in which you could have it, several patterns and styles, and dressed for several occasions. Long Indian Dresses for wedding functions to lightweight casual wear, its fabric decides comfort and style.

Cotton Kurta Pajama: The Everyday Classic

Cotton is the most commonly used fabric for Indian menswear. Its lightness and breathability make it the best bet for daily wear and semi-formal occasions. A cotton kurta pajama is the regular wear that will fulfill every need.

Why Choose a Cotton Kurta Pajama?

• Comfort & Breathability: Good for the hot and humid Indian climate. Absorbs moisture, allows keeping cool even in the hottest days.

• Ease of Movement: Whether you are attending the Pooja, family gatherings, or lying back around the house, it has given maximum comfort and satisfaction.

• Versatility: Pair it with a plain white or pastel cotton kurta pajama with a Nehru jacket for an instant transformation to a festive wear.

• Least Maintenance: Unlike silk, cotton is not too difficult to wash and maintain, so perfect for use every day. 

• Budget-Friendly: Cotton is generally a lot cheaper than silk so it can be available to everyone.

Best Occasions to Wear Cotton Kurta Pajama

A cotton Kurta Pajama for Men is ideal for:

• Daily wear
• Religious ceremonies
• Office ethnic days
• Semi-formal events
• Summer weddings

Silk Kurta Pajama: A Statement of Opulence

Silk has always been a symbol of grandeur and luxury and this makes it a prime candidate for wedding, reception, and festive affairs. The silk kurta pajama spells elegance and sophistication, an outfit worthy of making a statement. 

Why Silk Kurta Pajama? 

• Regal: The silk is meant to add a royalty factor to your looks and a sophisticated aura. 

• Rich Texture & Shine: The sheen of silk renders an extravagant and aristocratic look to Indian attire. 

• Perfect for Grand Occasions: When it comes to weddings, the silk kurta pajama is your ultimate fashion statement, whether you are the groom or a wedding attendee celebrating his calling. 

• Cultural Importance: Silk has great cultural importance in Indian traditions and is invariably worn for auspicious occasions. 

• Variety: There are many options in silk, from raw silk to Banarasi silk, for variety under silk fabric.

Best Occasions to Wear Silk Kurta Pajama

A silk Kurta Pajama for Men is ideal for:

• Weddings & receptions
• Festivals like Diwali and Eid
• Engagement ceremonies
• Grand cultural celebrations

Cotton vs. Silk Kurta Pajama: A Detailed Comparison

Cotton and silk are both important kinds of fabric that men can choose for kurta pajamas; however, men must keep many dimensions in mind, including comfort, maintenance, cost, and fit for the varied occasion. Both possess their own merits, making them favorites in different settings and personal tastes.

Comfort and Wearability

A cotton kurta pajama is incredibly breathable and lightweight, making it perfect for India’s warm weather. The fabric absorbs moisture, ensuring that you stay comfortable even on humid days. Cotton also allows free movement, making it a great choice for casual outings and day-to-day wear.

On the other hand, silk kurta pajama equals luxury and elegance. It feels beautiful and soft against the skin but is less breathable than cotton; thus, it is not very useful at places where under-airing is not being set, at evening events, or in a cooler environment. The beautiful drape of silk gives a more structured and regal look. 

Maintenance and Longevity

Cotton hardly needs any care or maintenance; it can even be washed at home, which makes it a good option for regular usage. However, the cotton fabric tends to wrinkle quite easily and may fade over a period if not properly taken care of. 

On the other hand, silk needs special attention. Its maintenance involves dry cleaning, careful handling, etc., for preserving luster. Though silk comparatively delicate, well-maintained silk kurta pajama can live for years, hence considered a valuable investment. 

Affordability and Occasion Use 

Cotton Kurta Pajama for Men is usually light on the pocket and apt for informal and semi-informal occasions such as religious gatherings and lighter office ethnic wear as well as during day functions. 

Silk is that luxurious fabric that adds an extravagant touch to a costume. Silk is the first choice on occasions like marriages, receptions, and festivals, where creating a fashion statement is important.

Selecting the Perfect Kurta Pajama by Nihal Fashions for Men

When it comes to shopping for the optimal kurta pajama, Nihal Fashion has got a wide range of super top-quality collections in cotton and silk options for all men.

Cotton Kurta Pajama Collection

• White Cotton Kurta Pajama: A must-have in every man’s wardrobe, perfect for daily wear and even at religious ceremonies.

• Printed Cotton Kurta Pajama: Perfect for casual hang-outs with friends or as office ethnic wear as it comes in attractive patterns and designs.

• Cotton Kurta Pajama with Nehru Jacket: A piece that can be styled for semi-formal occasions yet adds a structured look to the jacket.

Silk Kurta Pajama Collection 

• Banarasi Silk Kurta Pajama: Rich, royal, and made to cater to all needs during solemn wedding functions.

• Embroidered Silk Kurta Pajama: Adorned with tedious embroidery that promises a grand experience on special festive occasions.

• Designer Silk Kurta Pajama: Premium pieces made with handwoven silk, perfect for the groom or wedding guests.

Cotton or Silk: Which One Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, it depends on the choice of cotton or silk by the end-user for himself, the occasion of wearing, and also the comfort possible. 

• Pick Cotton if: You want a breathable, light, low-maintenance daily wear worth taking to small gatherings or semi-formal occasions.

• Excels in Silk if: You are after the loud stuff and take great pride in using a heavy fabric to adorn yourself during marriage, reception, or festival.

Conclusion: Get Your Perfect Kurta Pajama at Nihal Fashions

For men, both cotton and silk Kurta Pajama for Men have their specific charm and purpose. Comfort and simplicity versus opulence and grandeur are both available in various collections from Nihal Fashions. You can directly check their latest Indian Mens Clothing collection, where tradition and contemporary meet. 

Search for the best Indian Dresses for all occasions and style them more easily with the best kurta-pajama combination. Visit Nihal Fashions today to shop the latest designs!

If the installation feels girl-coded, it’s intentional. In Shakeel’s hands, crystals and couture are not ornamental—they’re tools of storytelling, mysticism and power. “Crystals, couture, astrology—these aren’t just aesthetic; they’re portals,” says the London-based artist who is currently showcasing Jewel System at ArtisTree in Hong Kong. “They’ve long been tools of healing, storytelling and power, especially in the hands of women. This project honours the sacred feminine energy that has always known that there is magic in the stars and strength in softness.”

All of these elements—material, method and meaning—converge in a final act of unity. That sense of unity pulses through the finished installation, which is as much a statement of identity as it is of aesthetics. “By using Pakistani embroidery techniques to recreate the cosmos, I wasn’t just decorating planets, I was weaving our cultural identity into the fabric of the universe,” Shakeel explains. “I was making a statement: We are not behind. We are timeless.’”

For a generation navigating the space between digital innovation and inherited tradition, The Jewel System offers a tempting proposition: that the future need not eclipse the past. Shakeel’s cosmos suggests that cultural memory, feminine energy and technological possibility can coexist—not in conflict, but in conversation.

Also read:

Sara Shakeel, the Pakistani artist who bedazzled Billie Eilish’s Vogue cover, has launched crystal-studded sunglasses

What does fashion owe its Muslim karigars?

Pakistani designer Rano Usman pays tribute to ancient traditions of the subcontinent in her debut solo show

As someone who’s been called “too sensitive” more times than I can count, I get that attempting to learn how to not take things personally can feel about as possible as trying to “just relax” or “stop overthinking.” (What else am I supposed to assume when a friend leaves my last three texts on delivered—meanwhile they’re actively posting on Instagram? How does it not say something about my apartment when my partner prefers to sleep at their own place instead of mine?)

It’s normal to be annoyed, hurt, or even suspicious when you don’t really know the true intentions behind a person’s words or actions. But you should be able to move on from these moments, Geoffrey Gold, PhD, New York City–based psychologist at Therapists of New York, tells SELF—or at least talk it out. Taking it personally, on the other hand, means you’re internalising words or actions as hard truth, whether that’s They must hate my new haircut or I’m not good enough.

Your brain can spin these unhelpful, mean stories for all kinds of reasons. While some people are naturally blessed with an “IDGAF” mindset, factors like low self-esteem, perfectionism, and anxiety can make it hard to shake off the small stuff, Dr. Gold explains. However, this self-destructive habit of reading too much into things is definitely worth addressing, because over time, it’s bound to crush your confidence, waste your time, and sabotage your relationships. With a little effort and the expert tips below, you can slowly break that cycle of defensiveness—and in turn, protect your peace of mind.

1. Check your own biases before jumping to conclusions

Sometimes, those knee-jerk instincts to go on the offense are more about your own perception versus the actual reality of a situation, Pavan Basra, LMFT, a Los Angeles–based therapist specializing in relationships, tells SELF. Maybe two of your buddies hung out without you—but you’re convinced they hate you because your former toxic circle always excluded you. Or it hits especially hard that a Tinder match didn’t respond to your DM, probably since you were just unexpectedly dumped a few weeks ago.

According to Basra, recognising that your defensiveness may be rooted in past experiences—not the present moment—can be a solid first step toward interrupting the spiral and rethink whether you’re truly being targeted.

2. Ask before you assume

When something feels off, don’t just jump straight into mind-reading mode. You’ll save yourself a whole lot of energy (and mental gymnastics) by simply asking for clarity, Basra says. Dr. Gold recommends keeping it casual with phrases like: “Hey, what did you mean by that comment?”; “I noticed we haven’t talked much this week. Is everything okay?”; or “That hangout looked so fun—just curious, can I ask why I wasn’t invited?”

Mushroom coffee sounds funky, and rightly so. They’re indeed not your typical cup of joe. But if you’re seeking enhanced focus, more energy, and a powered-up immune system, pairing (or replacing) your morning latte with mushrooms may be a good idea. These thoughtful beverages, which supplement coffee with mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga, offer a lower dose of caffeine alongside a higher amount of micronutrients. Because of that, and depending on the exact combination of mushrooms, they offer additional perks beyond the typical energy surge, helping to offset fatigue throughout the day or allowing you to concentrate for a longer period of time.

Whether you choose to pair your mushroom with the real thing or swap coffee entirely for a new flavour, these expert-recommended mushroom coffees are a good place to start.

What is mushroom coffee?

Mushroom coffee is a type of coffee that’s paired with mushrooms like chaga, lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps. Depending on the brand and blend, mushroom coffee may offer roughly 40 to 50mg of caffeine per cup, which is about half that found in a cup of coffee. And, while mushrooms themselves don’t contain caffeine, “they can still provide a natural energy boost due to their adaptogenic and nutrient-dense properties,” says Dr Powell. “Certain mushrooms, like cordyceps, enhance oxygen utilisation and cellular energy—helping to improve stamina and reduce fatigue.” Meanwhile, she says, lion’s mane can support cognitive function by stimulating nerve growth factors, which improves focus and mental clarity.

However, the flavour can require an adjustment. “Mushroom coffee doesn’t taste exactly like your typical black coffee,” says Maeng. “Depending on the brand, it can have a very earthy taste, especially if it doesn’t have any other flavour added to it.”

Is mushroom coffee good for you?

Generally, yes, mushroom coffee is good for you. “Mushroom coffee provides more nutrients than a regular cup of coffee, as mushrooms are full of antioxidants and other nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin D, selenium, and potassium, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress,” says Maeng.

And, although mushroom coffee tends to be lower in caffeine, “it can potentially support cognitive function better than coffee, improve stress adaptation, and provide sustained energy without the caffeine-related jitters,” she says. She recommends it for those who want to cut back their coffee consumption due to anxiety, caffeine-related jitters, and sleep issues.

What are the health benefits?

As we mentioned, mushroom coffee can deliver key nutrients, help you feel more energised, and may support the immune system. But it may offer a multitude of benefits beyond that, too, thanks in part to its emphasis on adaptogenic mushrooms. A mainstay in traditional Eastern medicine, these mushrooms “help the body adapt to stress, support overall well-being, and provide functional benefits without overstimulating the nervous system,” says Dr. Powell.

Karan Torani spent more than 3,400 work hours to bring this jewel-toned purple sari to life. Drawing inspiration from the Chowmahallah Palace in Hyderabad and the Chaukhandi Tombs in Karachi, the ensemble features architecture and carving details from the historic monuments. The designer’s signature paan patta take centre stage on the pallu. She paired it with a dainty yellow-gold, polki and pearl choker, along with circular and tear-drop earrings.

Sequin sari by Sabyasachi

One of Sabyasachi’s most loved six-yard staples is his sparkly sequin monotone saris, as seen on Deepika Padukone, but also other celebrities like Isha Ambani, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor. The beauty of this beaded and sequinned ensemble is that it reflects light without being overpowering or shiny, acing the tasteful bling memo. The actor completed the look with understated dangler drop earrings. Brides-to-be, bookmark this look—it can be worn for Diwali celebrations, cocktail parties and sunset weddings.

Burnt-orange kanjivaram sari from Advaya by The House of Angadi

Beauty has always been about transformation—bottles, jars, and formulations that can change the way we see ourselves and others. But today, that transformation isn’t just about what’s on the surface. The Vogue Beauty & Wellness Honours, in partnership with Tira, expands its scope to recognise not just beauty innovations but also the evolving world of wellness—one that goes beyond traditional self-care.

“We decided to expand the beauty awards to include wellness, but not just the going-to-the-spa kind. We’re looking at wellness from an emotional, mental, sexual, even a social lens. You could be the kind of person eating organic food, working out five times a day, meditating before bedtime and still be in a rut due to social isolation, one of the major downsides of this digital age,” says Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue India.

This expansion mirrors a larger shift in the beauty industry—one where innovation is no longer driven by a handful of legacy brands but by a new wave of creators redefining the space. “Beauty today is no longer defined by a handful of legacy brands as it was a few years ago. Cutting-edge, young brands are coming in from all corners of the world, each with its own unique approach to formulation, storytelling, and consumer engagement. This has made the industry more diverse and dynamic than ever before,” says Bhakti Modi, Co-founder of Tira.

An evolution of the iconic Vogue Beauty Awards, this platform continues to spotlight the products, pioneers, and breakthroughs shaping the future of beauty and wellness. Judged by an expert panel, it remains a benchmark for what truly works and what’s built to last.

Here’s everything you need to know before you submit.

Product categories

Makeup: From weightless foundations to bold lip colours, we’re celebrating the artistry and innovation behind every formula.

Skincare: From cutting-edge actives to time-tested rituals, we’re honouring the products that nourish, protect and rejuvenate skin.​

Haircare: From reparative treatments to styling essentials, here’s to recognising formulas that keep every strand strong. healthy and vibrant.

Fragrances: From scents that evoke memories, moods and moments to modern olfactory masterpieces, spotlighting perfumes that leave a lasting impression.

Wellness: Covering everything from ingestibles and supplements to sleep aids, wellness sanctuaries and sel that nurture the body, mind, and soul.

Key dates

Entry period: 18 March 2025 to 31 March 2025. Late submissions may not be entertained.​

In March last year, author Joanna Maciejewska presciently tweeted, “You know what the biggest problem with pushing all-things-AI is? Wrong direction. I want AI to do my laundry and dishes so that I can do art and writing, not for AI to do my art and writing so that I can do my laundry and dishes.” Everyone hates writing emails but ChatGPT has uniformised email etiquette to such an extent that every email now reads like corporate vomit. And even that is okay—after all, most emails are for formally getting across a point you can’t yell over the phone—but many new entrants to the workforce admit that they are unable to write an email without AI assistance. When it comes to schoolwork too, many studies question whether AI is helping students learn better or making them think less. All results point towards reduced critical thinking. And if our critical thinking skills deteriorate because of our over-reliance on AI, how will we ever identify AI as the culprit?

Beyond artistic, ethical and moral dilemmas, AI also poses grave environmental concerns. Studies have found that each time you use AI to generate an image, write an email or ask a chatbot a question, it comes at a cost to the planet. According to a Washington Post study conducted in collaboration with the University of California, Riverside, ChatGPT uses 519 millilitres—or just over one bottle—of water to write a 100-word email. And Ghibli-fying yourself or a single frame from your favourite movie? Apparently, that consumes as much energy as fully charging your smartphone. As soon as the OpenAI update was rolled out last night, AI filmmaker PJ Ace released a 1 minute 52 second trailer to a Ghibli version of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). Somewhere, a water body has disappeared entirely.

As I finish writing this, many Reddit users are complaining that the new OpenAI feature has already been rolled back and the notification they’re receiving reads: “OpenAI has restrictions on generating images in the style of specific artists, including Studio Ghibli. This is due to copyright and intellectual property concerns.” Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI tweeted the cause to be “images in ChatGPT are wayyyy (sic) more popular than we expected (and we had pretty high expectations). Rollout to our free tier is unfortunately going to be delayed for a while.” I’d like to believe it’s some Miyazaki magic.

A little sheer goes a long way, especially if you’re frolicking in the sun and sand. Tendulkar’s khaki-hued La Paz outfit will immediately transport you to your next beach vacation. The cover-up features beads from the acacia trees. She paired it with Myaraa’s tufted hat and gold earrings, adding the perfect finishing touches.

Loewe font raffia tote

One of the hottest vacation accessories of the season created by former creative director Jonathan Anderson, this cuboid bag was made in Spain using raffia leaves that have been cultivated, harvested, sun-dried and handwoven by artisans in Madagascar. She paired her Loewe tote bag with a soft white Aritzia dress. Her accessories included Loewe’s donut chain and small stud earrings. A sleek bun with a scrunchie, sunglasses and Tory Burch sandals tied her look together.

Seema Gujral lehenga

Your wonderful friend has asked you to attend their wedding ceremony as a bridesmaid. We are confident that you will be excited and happy. But you may wonder: What do I need to wear to this essential ceremony? Selecting a bridesmaid attire is a difficult task that will undoubtedly cause you distress. After all, you need to seem great without drawing an excessive amount of hobby in yourself — that`s sincerely instead difficult.

Additionally, you have to wear Indian outfits that go properly with the bride`s wedding gown and harmonize your look with hers. But worry not—we’ve got the solution to all your questions on bridesmaid dresses. Simply get dressed in a clever and stylish sarees. We can guide you through the extensive style of bridesmaid saree patterns that can be available. So let’s look at some of the most stylish and elegant bridesmaid saree ideas that will make you look amazing at your best friend’s wedding.

Choosing the proper bridesmaid saree for a marriage in 2025 is all approximately balancing elegance, trendiness, and comfort. Here are seven lovely thoughts to make certain the bridesmaid’s appearance is radiant on the huge day:

Tissue sarees are always the best option for bridesmaid saree styles. In particular, this exquisite golden tissue saree is made from the finest organza in every stitch. Because of its softness and lightweight, this saree would be easy to wear throughout the entire wedding festivities. This bridesmaid saree outfit, which consisted of a zari border, is sure to be remembered.

Choose this one-of-a-type ruffle saree in pink and red in case you are looking for bridesmaid saree ideas so that it will set you aside from the rest of the crowd. The pink ruffles that cascade down its purple frame will absolutely garner a variety of compliments from your site visitors regarding your experience of style. For an extra state-of-the-art appearance, decorate this ensemble with a couple of cute golden rings and 2 splendid finger rings.

Are you sure that pastels are always in style? This is especially true with regard to the hue pink. We have a stunning baby pink saree that is sure to win your heart if you are looking for a soft and feminine look to wear to the wedding of your best friend. Come check it out! This saree is remarkable in terms of comfort due to the fact it is crafted from 100% cotton. This saree is a top notch preference for any younger girl who’s interested in attending a marriage as a bridesmaid due to the fact it is embellished with adorable flower embroidery on its frame.

The mermaid saree is currently the most popular choice for bridesmaid sarees, so why not get one for your own look? Take a look at our mermaid saree in impressive yellow; that is an image of joy, happiness, and all this is trendy. The ruffles that embellish the saree are very stunning, and the mermaid reduction of the saree makes its appearance even more lovable than it already is. On the occasion that you select this look without any reservations, we’re assured that you’ll effortlessly exude fashion and happiness.

As you prepare for the wedding of your best friend, do you want to go for a classic mood while keeping things simple? There is a bridesmaid saree concept that we’ve for you; this is honestly perfect. Chanderi silk is used within the creation of our pink block-published saree, which capabilities block prints that take in the complete frame of the garment. It is feasible to offer this saree a modern appearance through carrying it with a blouse that doesn’t have sleeves, and we’re assured that you’ll make an influence on the way to final at the marriage celebration.

Black is always a good choice, as the adage goes, and bridesmaid saree ideas are no exception. Wear our midnight black saree, which has stunning white embroidery on the edges, to go out in style. Additionally, it has a chic front slit that elevates the saree ensemble even further. We’ll give you another reason to choose this as your bridesmaid saree look if you need one. Say goodbye to the trouble of pleating a saree and put on this gorgeous saree, setting style goals along the way. This saree is fully pre-draped.

Read more – From Casual to Glam: Styling Your Designer Saree For Any Event

An essential step in a bride’s journey is selecting the ideal bridal saree. Every bride will be able to discover her ideal saree because of the stunning fusion of history and innovation in the 2025 trends. Every saree tells a different tale because of its elaborate designs, vivid colors, and opulent textiles.

Brides can create a timeless yet modern style by paying attention to details like blouse designs and accessories. Allow these trends and advice to help you choose the ideal saree that best suits your individuality and sense of style as you set off on this fascinating adventure.

I don’t want to admit this, but I have a history of comparing my success to that of my friends and feeling unsuccessful. But this is a fool’s errand—I am a freelance writer and, for whatever reason, many of my friends are lawyers and consultants. They’re busy climbing the corporate ladder while I’m over here writing my little stories at home.

Despite knowing better, I’ve fallen into a terrible trap where I often look at their milestones—promotions, job titles, pay raises—and then at my own trajectory and think, Why the hell aren’t I getting those things? I then arrive at the awful conclusion that it’s because I’m not doing as well as they are. As you can imagine, this has been not-great for my self-esteem.

According to Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend The Mind in New York, we all—at some point, in some way—compare ourselves to others. “It’s built into our DNA,” she tells SELF. “We are concerned about how the world sees us.” We look to others—their jobs, family life, vacations—as a measure or guide of how we’re getting along. While that’s not inherently a bad thing, research shows, doing so often triggers shame, envy, and resentment—especially if you’re on social media where everything is distorted and everyone appears to be killing it.

If you’re feeling unsuccessful and constantly questioning your progress, stick with me. I worked with my therapist to put this bad habit to rest and can finally say it’s possible to stop unnecessarily beating yourself up. Below, Dr. Hafeez shares three simple tricks—alongside some of my own insights—that’ll help you stop glamorising other people’s lives and be more grateful for what you’ve got going on.

Reflect on what comparison makes you feel

Before you can change how comparison affects you, it helps to understand what you’re actually feeling. Dr. Hafeez recommends getting familiar with the emotions and thoughts that surface when you compare your success to others’. The answer might seem obvious—uh, I’m just jealous!—but digging deeper could uncover frustration, shame, inferiority, or other surprising reactions. Identifying these feelings—and accepting them without judgment—is often the first step in processing them in a healthier way. Research even shows that naming your emotions (a technique called affect labeling) can reduce their intensity and make them easier to manage.