BB_271123_00520copy.jpg

How to sleep better during perimenopause, according to a hormone expert

Officially, perimenopause marks the transition into menopause. Unofficially? It ushers in a chapter that is physically and emotionally challenging for many women. During these years, hormones begin to fluctuate irregularly and impact almost every bodily function, especially sleep. Various resources estimate that somewhere between 39% and 72% of women experience perimenopause-related sleep disturbances, which can include sudden night-time awakenings, hot flushes or anxiety. There’s got to be a better way.

Certified menopause specialist Dr Christina Enzmann says there is. Below, she explains what happens to the body during perimenopause and how we can find restful sleep even in its midst.

How the perimenopause affects sleep

During perimenopause, hormone production in the ovaries begins to fluctuate. Progesterone and later oestrogen are affected by these fluctuations. The changes are gradual, but they affect central processes that, according to Enzmann, are directly linked to the sleep-wake rhythm.

For example, sleep and body temperature are closely connected. When oestrogen levels fall, it “impairs thermoregulation,” which in turn promotes night-time hot flushes and sweats, and thus, fragments sleep. But that’s not all: according to Enzmann, hormonal changes often also lead to an increase in cortisol levels, the body’s most important stress hormone. This can lead to a dysfunction of the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), which further disrupts sleep. Many women report that they are exhausted in the evening, only to lie wide awake once in bed. “We call this tired but wired,” says Enzmann. “Then you keep waking up in the middle of the night, often with racing thoughts, feelings of stress or inner restlessness.”

Blood sugar also plays an important role. When it fluctuates greatly due to diet or stress, insulin can remain permanently elevated, which in turn raises the cortisol level. “This is a vicious circle which can massively disrupt the quality of sleep,” says Enzmann.

In short, progesterone, oestrogen, cortisol and insulin work closely together during this phase of life, and even small imbalances can have a major impact on sleep.

Perimenopause and the role of hormones

Progesterone is a natural sedative. It has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system and helps us to fall asleep. But when its levels drop, the calming effect disappears. Oestrogen, on the other hand, influences the deep sleep and REM phases, stabilises mood, and helps regulate temperature. “If these hormones fall or fluctuate greatly, problems falling asleep, night-time awakenings and episodes of night sweats occur, often accompanied by increased cortisol and unstable blood sugar,” Enzman says. All these fluctuations and changes in the body mean that women already have to struggle with severe sleep problems during the perimenopause.

But at what point do you know that these are symptoms of the perimenopause and not simply a period of restless sleep due to stress? When should you seek medical advice? Enzmann says that sleep problems should be taken seriously after three to four weeks at the least, especially if they are affecting everyday life. These include concentration problems, emotional instability or a feeling of being overwhelmed. “Sleep problems are often an early symptom of hormonal dysregulation or chronic stress,” she emphasises, “and not simply a natural part of getting older.”

Common mistakes

The problem is that many women are quick to turn to dietary supplements when they have sleep problems in order to restore their sleep to its usual restful state. However, Enzmann warns that not every sleep disorder is the same, “and what works for one person won’t help another.” Although magnesium (300mg as glycinate), taurine (3g) and a B-vitamin complex can help, other women need targeted support, for example, with adaptogens such as ashwagandha, especially when it comes to restlessness or anxiety. All of this should first be analysed and discussed with a doctor before seeking external support.


Source link

2173241283.jpeg

8 ways to wear a miniskirt and boots

Over the years, the miniskirt and boots pairing has established itself as a versatile staple of everyday wardrobes. Pioneered in the 1960s by British designer Mary Quant, the miniskirt has since been reimagined by countless designers, from André Courrèges, who debuted his own take on the short skirt back in 1964 – to Miuccia Prada, whose recent interpretations have been worn and adored by fashion editors and A-listers alike.

While miniskirts might not typically be the first thing you reach for when temperatures plummet, adding a sturdy pair of knee-high boots (and perhaps some wool tights) will ensure your favourite miniskirt and boots combinations can be worn year-round – even on the chilliest of days.

Whether you opt for an all-black outfit or prefer something patterned, scroll on for eight ways to wear miniskirts and boots this winter.

Brown miniskirt + boots

Bella Hadid.

Bella Hadid.

Ricky Vigil M

Ralph Lauren Collection  Carreen suede mini skirt

Ralph Lauren Collection – Carreen suede mini skirt

The Row  leather caution boots

The Row – leather caution boots

Wrap miniskirt + flat boots

Daniel ZuchnikGetty Images

Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

Sezane  Herringbone Miniskirt

Sezane – Herringbone Miniskirt

Mango  Leather Boots

Mango – Leather Boots

Check miniskirt + boxing boots

Valentina Valdinoci

Valentina Valdinoci

Chopova Lowena  Carabiner Skirt

Chopova Lowena – Carabiner Skirt

Vagabond  Sky Boots

Vagabond – Sky Boots

Black miniskirt and peep-toe boots

Alex Consani.

Alex Consani.

Aeon

HampM  miniskirt

H&M – miniskirt

Jeffrey Campbell  Lamia Boot

Jeffrey Campbell – Lamia Boot

Bubble miniskirt + Western boots

8 ways to wear a miniskirt and boots
Ariat  Heritage R Toe Western Boot

Ariat – Heritage R Toe Western Boot

Andersson Bell  Balloon Miniskirt

Andersson Bell – Balloon Miniskirt

Pleated miniskirt + biker boots

Francesca Babbi

Francesca Babbi

amp Other Stories  Pleated Wool Miniskirt

& Other Stories – Pleated Wool Miniskirt

Marks amp Spencer  Leather LaceUp KneeHigh Boots

Marks & Spencer – Leather Lace-Up Knee-High Boots

Miniskirts + leather boots with heels

Lila Moss.

Lila Moss.

WWD/Getty Images

Isabel Marant  Clency leather mini skirt

Isabel Marant – Clency leather mini skirt

Saint Laurent  Jill glazed leather boots

Saint Laurent – Jill glazed leather boots

Cream miniskirt + square-toe boots

Bella Hadid.

Bella Hadid.

MEGA

Gucci  boucl wool miniskirt

Gucci – bouclé wool miniskirt

Alaïa  square leather boots

Alaïa – square leather boots

This story first appeared on Vogue.fr.


Source link

SnapInsta.to_365099959_259850003473353_5787382021262941769_n.jpg

Indian weddings have gotten bigger, bolder and wildly specific

Growing up on Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding, a beautiful chaos of marigold garlands, jewel-toned saris and relatives flying in from Houston, Australia and Dubai, all converging on one Delhi home, it felt grand but not exorbitant. A family celebrating love against monsoon rains and familial drama. How naïve was I?

The first crack in that romanticised vision came when my friends started getting married. Luxury was no longer exceptional; it had become the baseline. Every ballroom was dripping in orchids, every sangeet had a celebrity singer, every buffet spread looked like Pinterest on steroids. Which begged the question: if luxury is the norm, how do you stand out?

The answer, it turns out, is turning weddings into full-scale productions that would make a Tamil blockbuster pale in comparison.

Nothing prepared me for the moment I joined a three-way call with my friend’s wedding planner, furiously scribbling notes from a ten-page outfit specification document. Ten pages. For one wedding. We dissected every shade of embroidery, every pearl on a dupatta border, even footwear directives (sneakers, it was decreed, were only permitted at the after-after party).

As I stared at that document, then bid three months’ salary goodbye in credit card payments, I realised I had crossed some invisible threshold into the stratosphere of Indian luxury weddings, where no detail is too small and no expense too great in the pursuit of perfection.

This shift from tradition to theatre is perhaps nowhere more evident than in how couples approach food. Eeshaan Kashyap, founder of Eeshaan Kashyap & Co. and Tablescape by Eeshaan, has carved out an entirely new category he calls “buffetscape”—where culinary artistry meets elaborate design. “I recently designed a sit-down dinner for a wedding group where they wanted a traditional vegetarian thali reimagined with a contemporary twist,” he explains. “The flavours were updated, but the most unique part was that everything had to be served on jade. I actually went back to the client to clarify, did they really want a jade thali? That felt exorbitantly luxurious. Designing a thali, katoris, and plateware in jade was nerve-wracking because each piece was so expensive.”

The requests only get more fantastical. “Another favourite project was last year in Bali, where we created a garden unlike any other,” Kashyap continues. “This client requested something more whimsical—a garden where cocktails flowed from fountains. Guests were handed a glass upon arrival and discovered three or four fountains, each serving a different cocktail—from elderflower-infused drinks to a Malabar-inspired spiced base. Each was engineered with sterilised copper pipes to ensure the liquid never touched untreated metal.” Somewhere, Willy Wonka is shaking his head.

But perhaps his most Alice-in-Wonderland-esque creation was ‘Sweet Dreams’ as a concept. “They asked me to translate the idea of sweet dreams and a love story into a dessert counter, but instead, I created an entire room. When you entered, strawberries were flying, chocolate fountains were everywhere, even the wallpaper was made of edible rice paper.”


Source link

horoscope_today.png

Horoscope Today: November 6, 2025

Family, happiness and sustainability are yours to claim this week. And Taurus, this is also a superb time for you to take a break and reflect on what you want to check off next. This may be a time of celebration, and you may feel like something you have been waiting for is finally here. Material insecurity and worries may be on your mind, Libra. And while it is not easy, remember that it need not be the end of the world as well. This chapter in your life only needs a little more organising, planning and a little more restraint or streamlining. Thanks, but no thanks is your mantra, Scorpio. To keep it simple and crisp—mind your own biz and you will find lasting, secure happiness. There are several options lined up—several life paths, perhaps or major decisions, and instead of being stealthy and distrustful ( basically messing with your life, be) come back to yourself and commit to your most important, truest, honest goals. Act responsibly, Cancer. A part of your life or an aspect may feel like it has been on hold for the longest time, and now that you are trying to rebalance the scales, please remember that the sun has its time to rise. So don’t expect overnight success or drastic changes to occur before you can even blink an eyelid. Take steady, measured steps towards your goals.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you, and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

Your worst fears are about to be lifted off, Aries. And all this because you have decided to showcase your grit, strength and resiliency. As you show up in the world in a mature way, you realise that what the world gives back to you is also equally balanced, fair and consistent—most importantly, calm and solid. The tables are turning, the winds are changing, and you, my dear friend, are mastering the sails of your life one rope at a time. Congratulations.

Cosmic tip: Graduation requires you to first master your alphabet.

Family, happiness and sustainability are yours to claim this week. And Taurus, this is also a superb time for you to take a break and reflect on what you want to check off next. This may be a time of celebration, and you may feel like something you have been waiting for is finally here. Now take that leap of faith and surrender to the flow of life. Ask questions, trust your instincts and test new waters with calm and patience. That idea is divinely led. Just keep your temper even, and you will ride the boat across the shore smoothly.


Source link

Indian20womens20cricket20team.jpg

How well do you really know the heroes who won the women’s World Cup?

As a little girl in Sangli, Maharashtra, Smriti Mandhana had one simple dream: she wanted to see her name in the newspaper. Watching her brother, Shravan, then a state U19 cricketer, appear in the local dailies a few times, young Mandhana figured there were three routes to fame: scoring 95% in her board examinations, becoming a movie star or becoming a cricketer. She chose option 3, and went on to cement her position among India and the world’s finest and most stylish batters.

3. Jemimah Rodrigues

From Bhandup, Mumbai, Jemimah Rodrigues played U17 state hockey before committing to cricket fully. Her father, Ivan, who couldn’t pursue his own cricketing dreams, pushed his youngest child (and only daughter) Jemimah towards it. The Rodrigues family moved from Bhandup to Bandra for their daughter’s education and cricket, and supported their family of five by running coaching classes in the neighbourhood.

4. Shafali Verma


Source link

S_Mallar_Bhutanfashion20week-2796.jpg

I travelled to Bhutan Fashion Week 2025 and found fashion with a soul

From the time I landed at Paro’s tiny, kaleidoscopically painted airport, burrowed between the mountains like a secret, I knew this was going to be unlike any fashion week I’d ever attended. The setting alone is magical. Every moment in Bhutan feels touched by something sacred, and as the country celebrated its first-ever Bhutan Fashion Week this autumn, that energy infused the atmosphere. The creativity and self-expression on display felt authentic and full of potential.

Held from October 27 to November 1, 2025, Bhutan Fashion Week marked a seminal moment for Bhutan’s cultural and creative landscape. 20 Bhutanese designers presented their collections across Paro and Thimphu, their runways set against some of the world’s most spectacular natural and historical backdrops. Remarkably, all 20 were women, each weaving her own interpretation of heritage into fabric and form. From my balcony at the newly opened Dawa at Hilltop, with its spectacular infinity pool gazing over a mist-soft valley, I could sense that this week was about more than fashion. It was about identity.

Photographed by Sheetal Mallar

Photographed by Sheetal Mallar

The first shows of Bhutan Fashion Week in Paro unfolded right on the city’s main street, where the red carpet ran beneath the watchful gaze of Paro Rinpung Dzong, a 400-year-old fortress monastery glowing in the late afternoon light. Nine designers, both emerging and established, shared the runway in a vibrant mix of sound and texture, accompanied by local musicians and singers. I saw children perched on curbs, elderly leaning from balconies and even a stray dog claimed a spot beside the catwalk, refusing to budge—a small, endearing reminder that this fashion spectacle belonged to everyone.

Photographed by Sheetal Mallar

Photographed by Sheetal Mallar


Source link

Sohni20mera20dil20le20gayi20oye20hoye20E299A5EFB88FOutfit20-20@taruntahiliani20Neckl.jpeg

Bhumi Pednekkar’s silk Tarun Tahiliani sari shimmers with zardozi and resham embroidery

Bhumi Pednekkar’s ensemble captures Tarun Tahiliani’s craftsmanship at its most ornate. Styled by Manisha Melwani, the look features a hand-embroidered silk sari in a deep wine hue, its surface densely worked with zardozi, resham and metallic thread, creating an interplay of texture and light. The borders echo Bidri-inspired geometry, rendered in antique gold and rose-toned embroidery, while the pallu glimmers with sequinned latticework and jewel-toned accents. Paired with a matching, intricately beaded blouse, the ensemble carries Tahiliani’s signature of heritage craft filtered through a modern lens.

Originating from Bidar in Karnataka, Bidri is a centuries-old metal inlay craft traditionally practised in silver. Known for its intricate geometric and floral patterns, the technique leads to a striking interplay of matte and shine, an effect Tahiliani translates here through metallic threadwork and embroidery.

Bhumi Pednekkar’s accessories extend the look’s maximalist language through gemstone-led pieces. A ruby and pearl choker from Golecha Jewels anchors the neckline, its Baroque South Sea pearls and emerald carvings at the back lending it richness. The ruby paisley ear cuffs by Amaris Jewels introduced a sculptural edge, while rings from Golecha add hints of gold across her hands. The maroon Meera Mahadevia clutch mirrors the textural play of the sari’s embroidery.

The beauty look consisted of hair pulled back into a polished bun, contoured skin, a glossy mauve lip and eyes defined with pink shimmer and soft wings.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Ease the tension by going minimal on the accessories. remove the ear cuff and choker, and add a pair of dainty jhumkas instead. Open up the hair and go dewy and fresh on the makeup by removing the burgundy eyeshadow. Lose the clutch and add a micro chrome bag with silver chain,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.


Source link

1.jpg

How To Steal The Spotlight At Every Wedding



At a wedding celebration, you may show off your style, comfort, and individuality. It`s no longer simply the color and layout of the saree to be able to make you shine. It’s additionally the fabric, the way it drapes, and the way you make people feel! We have many designer sarees in modern new colorings and high-quality materials like crepe soft silk, shimmer georgette, and natural organza for wedding ceremony parties. They have been made for elegant women who need to appear stunning and different. 

Tips to Select the Perfect Saree

Are you ready to look amazing? How to pick a sarees that will last until the big day!

  1. Select Fabrics That Enhance Both Comfort and Style

For a tremendous night appearance, it is essential to select the right clothes. When you are at a wedding party, you need to appear excellent, even if you are still able to move around quickly. Crepe-soft silk is tremendous for a complicated and humble look as it has an excellent sheen and an easy drape. Georgette, that sparkles simply enough to capture the lighting at the dance ground is called “glitzy.” Pure organza is an elegant way to express that you are light and airy.

silk-festive-saree

Tips: For day weddings, pure organza looks beautiful. For social events, vibrant georgette and crepe-gentle silk look stunning. Think about the place and mood to get the most out of it.

  1. Try Different Modern Shades

Gone are the days when only bright reds and maroons could be worn to a wedding. Today, wedding parties are all about new colors that are in style. The celebration sarees we sell online are available in sparkling colors like light blue, sage green, blush pink, and gentle gold. This color scheme makes the outfit appear more stylish and is also easy to pair with modern accessories. Select shades that go along with your skin tone and the celebration`s theme.

purple-saree

Tips: For daytime activities, select gentle colors that provide an elegant glow. Shades that stand out, like sage green or darkish gray, may be used for activities that appear at night.

  1. Put the Emphasis on the Blouse

Your top makes the outfit whole, not just your saree. Some of our ready-to-wear sarees are crafted from natural georgette, natural organza, and satin silk. They have tops that are decorated or sparkly, which makes their appearance very glam. If you need to stand out, choose shirts with big necklines, interesting backs, or maybe off-shoulder styles. A correct shirt makes the saree appear better and keeps it in place.

silk-sarees

Tips: If your saree does not have many details on it, wear a blouse with sequins over it to make it stand out. A simple top will make the material and sample of your saree stand out if it has numerous details.

  1. Accessorize for the Perfect Finish

The stuff you wear with your saree makes its appearance special. You can add metallics or pearls to new colors and high-end fabric to give them a pop of color or a traditional appearance. Our Christmas sarees may be offered on the web. Rich fabrics like crepe and chiffon make them. They appear excellent with a single collar or jewelry that hangs from the ceiling. Heels or flats with glowing stones end off the appearance without taking far from the saree’s beauty.

Tips: Don’t neglect the clutch! A small bag with the same color as your outfit will make your appearance even more beautiful. Choose easy-to-use colors that are simple or shiny.

  1. Experience the Elegance of Draping Styles

It makes a huge difference in how it appears and feels, the way you place it. If you need to look excellent for a wedding ceremony, you may select an easy, smooth drape that offers the saree shape, but still lets it flow. Wear a lighter fabric, like natural organza, in a manner that makes it appear like a lehenga to feature something extra. Dress in one of our natural silk designer sarees with a belt to show off your waist and look stylish.

silk-sarees

Tips: The saree allows you to figure out the way to set it up. When you drape fabric that flows, like crepe, in ways that can be light and open, it appears its best. These fabrics have a form and style thanks to a pallu, which is pulled in.

Read more – Saree Love On Reddit: Tips, Trends & Timeless Drapes

Final Words

We sell stunning sarees for wedding ceremonies online. When you purchase one, you`re not just choosing a dress, you are choosing a way to stand out. You will appear stunning and stand out whether or not you wear a smart crepe or gentle silk saree with a smooth, modern border or a simple organza saree with a blouse with sequins. If you wear the right saree, everyone at the wedding will recognize you as the most stunning, loved, and glad person there.

Experiment with trendy blouse cuts, statement belts, or unconventional draping styles. Mix traditional charm with modern elements like ruffled pallus or cape-style blouses to create a standout look.

With a grand saree, keep accessories balanced. Go for one bold piece—like a statement necklace or chandelier earrings—and pair it with minimalistic bangles or rings. Let the saree do the talking!

Absolutely! Lightweight sarees like printed chiffons or pastel organzas paired with embellished blouses and sparkling jewellery can look just as festive without weighing you down.

Rich jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue, and deep maroon are trending, along with soft pastels like blush pink, lilac, and mint. Metallic tones like champagne gold and silver-grey are also must-try shades for a glamorous entry.






Source link

Image-790.jpg

Yasmin Karachiwala: “When I started, women feared weight training and men avoided Pilates and aerobics”

Matching sets, Stanley cups and two best friends stretching side by side on reformers; if you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ve seen the image. But Pilates, developed by Joseph Pilates, is about far more than aesthetics or the pursuit of “lean” and “toned” bodies. Once dismissed as the lazy girl’s workout, it’s now recognised as a discipline built on breath and strength. It begins with core control, using your body to both strengthen and stretch every part of itself. Just ask the gym bros who try Reformer Pilates for the first time, legs trembling, sweat pouring, questioning every life choice that brought them here. Pilates girls aren’t in it for the aesthetics.

Or you could ask Yasmin Karachiwala, celebrity trainer and Pilates pioneer in India. A self-proclaimed lazy girl, her accidental journey into fitness began when she was dragged to an aerobics class by her best friend, who had just started dating someone and wanted to get in better shape. The first few sessions were tough. “I didn’t realise it back then, but I’ve always had an ego. I couldn’t tolerate being told that I was bad at something. I’d immediately set out to prove them wrong,” says Karachiwala.

Karate legend Sensei Pervez Mistry once told her that she was “skinny fat”—someone who looks lean but stores more fat than muscle in their body—and an appalled Karachiwala started weight training with him every day to build muscle. “After training in aerobics and weights, I went to the US to become a certified Pilates trainer, on the encouragement of my aerobics teacher in 1990. I came back and started taking classes while also teaching kindergarten kids, which was my initial goal, and then moved to fitness fulltime soon after. That was 35 years ago.”

Today, Karachiwala is one of the most sought-after fitness trainers in the country with 11 studios across India, each equipped to train and certify fitness instructors, teach Pilates and weight train, with the latest sprawling studio opening in Rajendra Nagar, Delhi.

“Pilates is a holistic approach to fitness but to truly benefit from any workout, I recommend a split between Pilates and strength training,” she advises. “It also depends on your goals, but lifting weights is essential, especially as we get older. Two days of weights and two days of Pilates is the ideal balance for anyone’s body.”

On the topic of weight loss, I wanted to know her take on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. “If you have Type 2 diabetes, then sure, go for it. If you’re over 100 kgs in weight and your last resort is bariatric surgery, then the drugs can be helpful. But,” she warns, “if you’re looking to drop just five to 10 kgs, please avoid them. We don’t know the long-term side effects yet, so it may not be worth the risk.”


Source link

Screenshot202024-07-2520at208.30.0820PM.png

Japanese-style hair washing may be the secret to hair growth and a healthier scalp

The Japanese are the best students when it comes to beauty and are always one step ahead. If we’re just starting to normalise the use of a massaging brush in hair washing here, you best believe they’ve been doing it twice as much already. This was explained to us by stylist Maria Roberts, founder of the Madart x Studio 25 Hair Spa, where they work with René Furterer products (the brand that invented pre-shampoo treatments 60 years ago).

Roberts, who spent several weeks training in Japan before opening her spa in Quijorna, discovered, among other things, that hair washing there is a very focused scalp care ritual. And precisely for that reason, they use two silicone massaging brushes: one on each side of the head to emphasise the massage process that helps cleanse in depth and activate blood circulation.

Credit Getty Images

“The best way to do a scalp massage is to start at the back of the head, going upwards, always focusing on the crown of the head, which is where there are more nerve endings,” he explains. By doing it with two brushes while applying the shampoo, the effects of the massage are enhanced and all parts of the scalp are reached. “This method”, says Roberts, “Not only stimulates growth, but also relieves tension on the scalp (try massaging it when you’re nervous, it works) and your scalp is much cleaner.”

Hair oiling in Japan (and gentle blow-drying)

Credit Getty Images

Source link