Posts in category: Life Style

Cosmic tip: Since what you are giving out is shifting drastically, what you are receiving is changing too.

Find your forte and stick to it. You can do everything, Gemini, that doesn’t mean you must. When you choose harmony, happiness and joy as your foundation for every choice and decision you make, you recognise the role you want to play in your life and the things you want to really do. And you, my Gem, are born to build – a community, a safe space, a creative outflow and a peace haven that is built on the foundation of freedom and joy. This is rare, and you must cherish it.

Cosmic tip: Assert your boundaries to remember your core strengths.

You receive an idea, you get confused, you over-strategise, you think of a million ways in which you can make it work, you get overprotective, calculating and on guard, you get frustrated and end up in a loop once again – sound familiar, Cancer? Well, it is time to get your game back on. It is time to remember that for you, my dear, your heart speaks louder than your head and very rarely is it wrong. It is time to remember that you are here to feel your way through life and not think your way through and sure, it might work for others, but does it really work for you? Nope. So, timeout, and think long term but hold onto your empathy and ability to feel your way through things for dear life. Got it? Okay.

Cosmic tip: Play your cards well, but bring more heart into your game.

Things are on fire, Leo and you don’t need to hide anymore. Your hard work is paying off and although there may be a lot happening simultaneously in your life, remember that you are good for it. You are once where you couldn’t wait to be. You are growing and glowing and this glow up is not a façade—it is happening because you have done the work to get to know yourself a lot better than before. You are learning to trust your inner voice, and when it says—all is well, trust that it is.

There’s something undeniably theatrical about dupattas—one flick of chiffon and suddenly you’re in your own Om Shanti Om moment (wind machine optional). Dupattas has long played understudy to the lehenga or kurta, but this festive season, it’s high time we gave this unstitched starlet its main character moment. Bollywood, of course, has done the most PR for it—“Hawa mein udta jaye…”

Even before the global fashion landscape was obsessed with the Scandi-girl scarf and “elevated layering”, here we’ve always known the power of this unstitched rectangle. We’ve hidden behind it, clutched it in school ceremonies, draped it over dolls. It can shift the tone of an entire look—ceremonial, subversive, camouflaging or simply saving a look that didn’t quite work out.

Whether it’s a featherlight handloom Chanderi, a weighty Kanchipuram zari or something dipped in more chamki than the midnight sky, this festive season, we’ve got you covered.

Banarasi weave

Heavy with heritage, Banarasi’s dense zari and silk brocade offers a luxurious fall that’s best reserved for evening occasions or ceremonies. Best to drape with precision; no sloppy folds. Pair this with a tissue salwar set or across a lehenga; this regal number offers range.

Silk Brocade Dupatta, Payal Khandalwal, ₹24,800

Handwoven Gold Organza Dupatta, Ekaya Banaras, ₹11,075

Handwoven Mustard Silk Dupatta, Ekaya Banaras, ₹10,175

Red Pure Organza Silk Hand-Embroidered Odhani, Tilfi, ₹40,500

Tilfi- ‘Hamsa Vilasa’ Pink Pure Katan Silk Banarasi Handloom Dupatta, ₹28,000

Chanderi weave

Lightweight silk-cotton with a crisp finish that holds shape without stiffness. Ideal for daytime events where neatness counts. Best worn folded sharply across the shoulders or pinned vertically for a tailored look. Chanderi does have an airy yet luxurious feel, it pairs well with a sleeveless kurti set and contemporary, minimal jewellery.

Applique and Cutwork Dupatta, Ikai, ₹22,790

Light Pink Cotton Silk Chanderi Dupatta With Floral Motif, Swadesh, ₹9,900

Char Chand Stole in Navy Chanderi, Shorshe, ₹14,500

Bandhani

Soft georgette or cotton with circular tie-dye patterns that make the eye dance. Easy to drape, a bandhani is perfect for casual daywear or a stroll through festive markets. Toss over one shoulder or loosely around the neck. Pair with a classic backless choli or with a slip top and denims to keep the effortless vibe intact.

Rani Pink Jaal Bandhani Dupatta in Georgette, Ratanshi Kheraj Sarees, ₹24,465

Red Zardozi embroidered bandhni odhna, Nidhi Tambi Kejriwal, ₹1,15,000

Floral bloom

Painted or printed, these delicate florals blooming across organza, cotton and silk are a soft, romantic pick for daytime festivities. Don one with a white mul angrakha when you head to get your mehendi done with the girls.

Dupatta Chanderi Silk Amethyst, Suket Dhir, ₹22,650

Oaxaca Verde Dupatta, Kshitij Jalori, ₹34,800

Damson Silk Stole, Anita Dongre, ₹5,250

Peach Hand-Painted Organza Dupatta With Tassels, Geroo, ₹9,540

Indian woven rainbow (Bhujodi and kala cotton)

Cotton handlooms with a lively textural weave, natural fabrics and dyes. These materials tend to be of a heavier weave but perfect for daywear. They pair well with jeans, kurta sets or even a dress—ideal for introducing a pop of colour for a laid-back look.

Women Blue Cotton Self Design Bhujodi Dupatta, Jaypore, ₹4,990

Handcrafted Bhujodi Dupatta, Kutch Culture, ₹3,000

Handloom Bhujodi Kala Cotton, Ethnic Elements, ₹7,500

MultiColour Cotton Pochampally Handloom Dupatta, Ethnica, ₹2,200

Shibori

Typically on silk or modal, this airy fabric features jewel-toned, patterned prints from traditional clamp-dye techniques. Has a silky scarf-like feel, perfect for layering. Wrap across to elevate a co-ord set or knot it to your bag for a fresh twist on tradition.

Women Maroon Red Cotton Printed Shibori Dupatta, Jaypore, ₹1,990

Shibori Organza Dupatta – Black/Lime, Studio Medium, ₹12,500

Ajrakh

Typically in deep indigos, blacks and earthy reds, ajrakh on modal or cotton delivers moodier prints. Pairs exceptionally well with darker lehengas or sequined separates for an impactful look. Pair with silver or diamond chandbalis and head out for an evening Diwali party.

Cotton Dupatta – Shuja, Vraj Bhoomi, ₹3,650

Maroon Modal Ajrakh Printed Dupatta, FabIndia, ₹3,499

Organza

Sheer silk with a subtle stiffness, offering a floaty yet structured fall. Works well for evening wear where you want lightness without losing form. Organza can sponge a heavier outfit and balance it well, use it to soften a richly detailed outfit without losing balance.

Mridula Dupatta – Dark Green, Lajjoo, ₹36,900

Mridula Dupatta – Fuschia Pink, Lajjoo, ₹36,900

Silk Organza Dupatta, Payal Khandalwal, ₹9,800

Linen

India, even in late October, tends to get hot, so linen dupattas in muted hues can be just the respite you need from heavier sets. Paired with linen trousers and a shirt or with a kurti set, it helps you feel fresh, natural and luxurious.

Teal Jamdani linen dupatta, Anavila, ₹14,500

Pomba Handwoven Colour-Blocked Linen Dupatta – Ochre, Manan, ₹5,500

Velvet & shine

Velvet, zardozi and jewel tones come together when you’re dressing for sparkle under the stars. Mirror the richness with a velvet or tissue sharara set with an embellished potli and juttis. When leaning into richer textures, these are your go-tos.

Red And Maroon Hand Embroidered Zardozi Silk Velvet Doshala, Weaver Story, ₹23,990

Goonj Georgette Dupatta – Heavy in Black, Sunira Designs, ₹88,500

Orange Velvet Ari and Zardozi Dushala, Rhua, ₹45,000

Reva Dupatta – Silver, Nicobar, ₹6,500

Blue Hand Embroidered Silk Velvet Doshala With Contrast Chanderi Tissue Border, Weaver Story, ₹24,990

South Indian silks

Kanchipuram silk dupattas bring serious gravitas with their gold-threaded motifs and rich colour palettes. Often ignored as a weave in dupattas, they have a more structured fall, drape one over a silk lehenga or across a half sari. Pair with antique temple jewellery to complete the look.

Kanjivaram Silk Dupatta, Kanakavalli, ₹21,460

Maroon Kanjeevaram Silk Dupatta, Tulsi Weavers, ₹13,390

Kanjivaram Silk Dupatta, Kanakavalli, ₹18,620

Delicate detailing

Net, tulle and ultra-fine laces with embroidered accents, scalloped hems or lace insets. Delicate details that would make your grandma happy. Best layered over tone-on-tone sets or light silks for afternoon events. Pair with a pastel slip dress for a twist and accessorise with pearls and a delicate clutch to complete the look.

Ivory Floral Cutwork Dupatta, Chandranima, ₹14,990

Shimmer

The OG pataka piece. Sequins, shisha and a whole lot of shimmer—these are dupattas that love the limelight. Drape as a veil or shawl to add drama to even the most basic outfit.

Rajbaraat Lehenga with Sheeshya Veil Set, Irth, ₹6,70,000

Silver Embellished Lehenga Set, Abhinav Mishra, ₹2,46,400

Also read:

Why enamel jewellery is the season’s boldest statement

5 chic ways to make scarves the hardest working piece in your wardrobe

We tried and tested 8 shapewear brands so you don’t have to

It’s easy to mistake milia for whiteheads–small, pale bumps that crop up overnight, clustered under the eyes, on the cheeks or along the nose. But before you go shamelessly popping them, listen up. What looks like a mild breakout or whiteheads is a completely different kind of skin concern that won’t respond to your tried-and-true acne spot treatment, and definitely not to squeezing.

“Milia are tiny cysts that sit just under the skin’s surface,” explains cosmetic physician and head of education at Acquisition Aesthetics, Dr Emmaline Ashley. “They are full of a protein called keratin, which is commonly found in your hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.” Milia presents itself as pearly-white bumps; however, they are not inflammatory, infectious or even remotely related to acne.

Whiteheads, on the other hand, are closed comedones are a type of acne lesion that is caused by clogged pores filled with sebum, dead skin and bacteria. “Milia, however, are firmer, deeper-set and won’t extract easily like a whitehead,” warns Dr Ashley.

What causes milia?

Our skin isn’t just a protective barrier. It’s a living, breathing organ that renews itself roughly every month. As part of this natural cycle, dead skin cells are meant to shed from the surface, making way for the fresh, healthy ones beneath. But sometimes, that process doesn’t go quite as planned, causing milia.

These tiny, pearly bumps form when dead skin cells and keratin become trapped beneath the surface, rather than exfoliating as they should. They most often appear around the eyes and cheeks, delicate areas where the skin is thinner, making them more susceptible to buildup.

“Clinically, milia are smooth, dome-shaped, and feel firm to the touch,” says Dr Ashley. “Unlike a whitehead, they don’t come to a ‘head,’ they’re not red or inflamed and they’re usually not tender or painful unless irritated.”

According to Dr Hussein Yassine, Board-Certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Expert Clinic in Beirut, milia is often found in newborns and in adults with dry or damaged skin and can be triggered by multiple factors, one of them being the use of occlusive ingredients or very thick, hydrating formulas, they contribute by disrupting natural exfoliation.

“A lot of people consider petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, to be a moisturiser, which it is not,” he explains. “Not to forget the use of mineral oils, lanolin, beeswax, paraffin, and other rich natural oils, as well as cocoa and shea butter.” Even ingredients like dimethicone, commonly found in makeup, can contribute to congestion when layered too heavily. Overusing rich eye creams, failing to properly remove makeup or relying on occlusive products in hot, humid climates can also create the perfect conditions for milia to form.

There’s also a lesser-known subtype known as traumatic milia that can occur after the skin experiences stress. Think resurfacing lasers or dermabrasion. In these cases, the skin’s natural healing process gets disrupted, trapping keratin beneath the surface as it tries to repair itself.

How to treat milia

In most cases, milia is harmless and tends to resolve on its own with time. But if it’s persistent—or simply bothersome from a cosmetic standpoint—experts recommend a combination of consistent at-home care and professional in-clinic treatments. “A skilled clinician can use a sterile needle to gently de-roof the lesion,” says Dr Ashley. “Cryotherapy, diathermy or even laser ablation can be suggested for more extensive cases.”

Channelling the sartorial codes of the ’70s, Bhumi Pednekar stepped out in a look that fused retro tailoring with contemporary Indian craftsmanship. For the India Today Conclave, the actor wore an Anavila ensemble styled by Manisha Melwani. The look was accented with brooches from Tribe Amrapali, earrings by Moi, rings from Bijouri, a hair brooch by Golecha Jewels, a custom purse by Meera Mahadevia and Oceedee brogues. The florals, as Pednekar noted, were a nod to the women she’s embodied across a decade in cinema—each with her own story, her own sari, her own truth—woven here into a look that felt nostalgic yet modern.

The sari itself—a plaid linen sari highlighted with zari—was from the brand’s prelude-to-festive collection. A soft purple and muted pink Madras check, draped traditionally, it provided a grounding contrast to the tailored jacket layered on top that featured the label’s signature Luna scallop finish, whose rose-strewn print evoked vintage upholstery florals. The Peter Pan collar was punctuated with a slim green-and-pink scarf, tied loosely like a cravat, building up the retro mood while softening the structured silhouette.

The accessories drew from a variety of influences, blending multiple aesthetics. The tapestry-style evening pouch, which was on a short chain strap, echoed the jacket’s pattern, while gold embroidery and sequin edging lent it a delicate ornamentation. On her feet were heeled Rebecca brogues: closed-toe Oxford-style lace-ups with stitched panel construction, pointed toes and chunky low heels. Crafted from patented leather with a matte finish, the structured shoes added a utilitarian edge to the sari. Striped stockings peeking out from beneath the drape introduced another textural layer.

Jewellery choices extended the narrative with two brooches around the neckline and shoulder: a butterfly-shaped piece in rhinestones fastened between the collar tips and a dragonfly in pink stones pinned on the pallu—both lending a touch of whimsy to the tailored top. Earrings were stacked—Promise earrings (purple amethysts, diamonds and emeralds) and Thea earrings (rose-cut diamonds, and pachchikam-set emeralds). She completed her accessorising with a set of Masand rings, crowned with rubies and emeralds, on her fingers, and a vintage-style gold watch over a jacket sleeve.

With the help of the philosophy of ikigai (生き甲斐), you can find out what the meaning of your life is and what it is that’s worth living for. This is made up of the characters for living (生き – iki) and value (甲斐 – gai) and can therefore be translated as something like the value or meaning of life. The Ikigai method is intuitive and individual, but you should still take a little time to come to grips with it. We’ll show you which questions you need to answer to find your own purpose in life, which you can use to achieve happiness in your job and personal career.

Ikigai: What is it and what can it do?

Ikigai is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is a philosophy for finding joy in life. Until the 1960s, ikigai (生き甲斐) was actually equated with shinigai (死にがい), which translates as ‘what is worth dying for.’ In military Japan, the meaning was initially related to the emperor and the nation. It wasn’t until the economic upturn in the 1960s that the focus shifted to life, and the movement then spread to the West in the 1990s.

The humble ankle boots has remained a timeless staple in our wardrobes, even when sleek knee-highs and buckled biker boots dominated the trend cycle of late. In fact, the classic silhouette, which, for many of us, marked our first foray into heels as teenagers, should be considered a year-round staple.

Like many other revivals we’re witnessing at the moment, the ankle boots of winter 2025 aren’t far removed from the styles we wore in the Noughties. Slouchy, suede buccaneer boots, Kate Moss for Topshop-inspired snakeskin and second-skin styles are cropping up once again.

Ankle boots come into their own as the weather gets cooler, but unlike taller styles, they aren’t suffocatingly hot, making them the perfect transitional piece. They’re also versatile when it comes to styling, as ankle boots tend to slip neatly under, or layer over, most trouser or jeans silhouettes. Plus, they also look great when styled with socks and tights on the chilliest days, too.

Key styling references come courtesy of the autumn/winter 2025 runways. At Louis Vuitton, pointed, heeled and shearling-lined ankle boots were paired with everything from tartan dresses to cargo trousers, jumpsuits and rain macs – most of which were styled with woollen knee-high socks for added winter appeal. Isabel Marant’s supple leather ankle boots, meanwhile, came studded and ruched around the ankle, styled with lace fishnet tights, black leathers, plaid and pinstripe.

Louis Vuitton AW25.

Launchmetrics.com/spotlight

Isabel Marant AW25.

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Missoni offered an especially nostalgic take with flat, pointed buckle boots in snakeskin, suede and leather. Styled with shorter hemlines, they were balanced by oversized outerwear, slouchy knitwear and striped scarves. At the other end of the spectrum was Cecilie Bahnsen’s collaboration with The North Face, which yielded storm-faring interpretations: zippered ankle boots with Gore-Tex soles and signature floral accents, perfectly offset with knee-high socks and girlish, flouncy skirts.

Cecilie Bahnsen AW25.

Stefania Danese

Missoni AW25.

Launchmetrics.com/spotlight

“When an item remains in your wardrobe rotation for over a decade you know that it’s worthy of a place in the fashion hall of fame. For me, it’s a pair of Topshop snake-print ankle boots that I splurged on (relative to my minimum-wage salary) in my early 20s,” says Joy Montgomery, Vogue’s shopping editor. “With a low block heel and pointed toe, they’re the perfect style to wear with straight-leg jeans, plus the pop of print is an easy way to add interest to basics. The snake-print boot has been central to Khaite’s autumn/winter collections in recent years, plus I’ve spotted some chic pre-loved Celine styles on eBay. But this season I’ll still be sticking with my old faithfuls.”

So whether you’re going for something minimalist, boho or sharp and tailored, there’s an ankle boot to suit every occasion. From thick-soled stomper boots that add grit to slip skirts to sleek pointed-toe pairs that sharpen denim and cargo trousers, the possibilities are endless. Scroll to find out how to style this season’s best ankle boots now.

Cosmic tip: It is time to stand up and lead. You will rise. Remember that. Always.

Confused about your action steps, but know for sure that this is not how you want to feel forever? Sag, that is a start. Now the next step is to not get distracted by the million voices running simultaneously in your head. And then the step after that is to remind yourself about what it is that you were onto and why. This may feel like a simple and obvious POA, but it will help you silence the noise while also regaining your focus, and in this moment you will realise that things are not as bad as you may have perceived them to b a, nd you are actually ready for more.

Cosmic tip: Whatever you touch grows multifold—even chaos. So choose wisely.

Say YES! Capricorn, that opportunity, relationship or anything that makes your heart flutter but that you are trying to be logical about, a yes to it. Sureyourru practical worries may seem valid; however, taking a step back to realign your goals and revisit plans of action, perhaps even tweak them a bit to make them work, is the secret ingredient you need to get going with this. You are at the end of the tunnel, so give your eyes a chance to acclimate to this blinding light that you seem to be surrounded by. You will soon see what it holds.

Cosmic tip: You are close to victory.

It feels good, doesn’t it, to see that you are surrounded by love and to enjoy the tiny perks it brings with it? Aquarius, you hold so much wisdom, love and gentleness in your soul, and perhaps life may have felt unfair to you in your recent past, because let’s get real, no one likes to be taken advantage of, and definitely no one likes to feel stuck in an unwanted loop. But look at where you are now, and let this emotional strength fuel you forward towards building and living your visionary life.

Cosmic tip: Take a moment to step away from the circle to see it clearly.

Life is good. You have been working at something non-stop, and Pisces, god knows it hasn’t been easy. However, darling, look at you now, feeling so blessed and so amazing about everything that surrounds you presently. Stay open-hearted so that more blessings find their way to you, and expect the ride to get less bumpier. The cosmos is on your side, so enjoy yourself and enjoy the ride.

Cosmic tip: Lay low, take it easy and slump off for a bit before you rise once again.

Therapy is often hyped up as the ultimate fix for any mental health concern. So if you’ve ever walked out of a session thinking, Well, why didn’t it do anything for me???, we get your frustration.

In fact, new data from BetterHelp that surveyed 2,000 people suggests that many struggle to have that emotional breakthrough moment. Among the respondents who were advised to seek therapy, 44% didn’t follow through. The reasons? Seventy-five per cent of them said they had trouble finding the right therapist, while 74% stopped due to a poor match.

After these kinds of disappointing experiences, it’s easy to second-guess whether you’re somehow “too broken” to be “fixed,” or if your problems are too big even for a professional. But these assumptions aren’t accurate, says Esther Boykin, LMFT, founder of Group Therapy Associates in Washington, DC. The reality is, mental health support looks different for everyone—and what works for one person may not be helpful for another.

Here are the most common reasons why therapy doesn’t work for some people—and how you can set yourself up for a better one (if you’re open to trying again, that is).

1. You haven’t found the right type of therapy

Therapy is often painted as this scene where you lie on a couch, spill your guts and an expert magically has all the right answers. But, as you’ve probably figured out by now, it’s not that simple.

When it comes to treatment options, there are tons of different approaches personalised to fit various concerns, communication styles and personalities. If your appointments have been feeling like unproductive vent sessions, you might appreciate methods like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), which focus on learning actionable skills and coping mechanisms. Or if you’re interested in unpacking unresolved childhood wounds, you might consider a modality like psychodynamic therapy that’s all about tapping into the unconscious factors influencing your present-day conflicts. And even if talk therapy isn’t your thing, you’ve still got alternatives like art therapy or body-centred somatic practices to consider.

For the most part, “a lot of it will depend on your personal preference,” says Annabelle Dortch, PsyD, a licensed psychotherapist based in Los Angeles—something you can absolutely ask your therapist about. (After all, they’re trained to know about the differences and recommend what’s best for you.) But just because your provider offers the “right” modality doesn’t guarantee success…which brings us to our next pointer.

2. You didn’t see the “right” therapist

According to Boykin, finding a good therapist is kind of like dating. Just because it didn’t work once doesn’t mean relationships generally aren’t for you. Rather, “this person simply isn’t a good fit,” she explains—and that same logic applies to meeting a provider who helps you grow too.

At baseline, you should feel safe, not judged, and comfortable opening up to this person, Dr. Dortch says. Other factors can also be reasons why therapy doesn’t work for some people—personality differences (maybe you’re looking for someone who’s soft-spoken, and this one is a bit too high-energy), communication style (perhaps your ideal practitioner is direct and blunt—no positive fluff) or just the overall vibe. Without that rapport, both experts agree it can be tough to be comfortably ‘you.’

3. You’re holding back

To get the most out of your sessions, you’ve got to be willing to be honest and vulnerable, Boykin says—something that’s easier said than done. To give you an example: Maybe you’re ranting about how your partner raised their voice at dinner, while leaving out pretty important details on your end. (Technically, you hurled the first few insults and constantly interrupted them too.)