Posts in category: Life Style

For a recent Diwali soirée, Alaya F eschewed the expected jewel tones and shimmer-laden saris in favour of an unconventional gunmetal silver sculptural outfit by Monisha Jaising. The molten hue, neither loud nor understated, illustrated a futuristic edge and was a perfect match for the actor’s modern sensibility.

“Alaya’s ensemble is a modern sculptural drape in a gunmetal silver hue, blending the fluidity of a sari silhouette with the edginess of contemporary couture,” shares Jaising. The designer’s concept draws from the idea of liquid metal, “where there’s an interplay of movement, light and texture that feels alive and ever-changing.”

The drape skirt with cut-outs on the sides, crafted from a laminated metallic georgette, bore a subtle crinkle texture and a reflective surface that mirrors the aesthetic. The silhouette is a study in contrasts, where a traditional style is reimagined with an architectural sensibility. The embellishment, too, pushes boundaries. An intricate mix of hand-embroidered crystals, gunmetal beads, emerald-toned stones and metallic chains come together seamlessly. “This piece took about 400 to 500 artisanal hours,” she explains, “because the intention was to make the fabric itself feel sculptural as if it was moulded by light.”

The blouse, a structured number with a halter neckline and open-back design, tied the narrative together. It is accented with the same surface ornamentation as the skirt, while its chain-style beaded strings cascaded across the bodice for some extra drama. It featured the same intricate crystal and gunmetal beadwork that echoed the detailing on the draped skirt, creating a seamless dialogue between structure and shimmer.

Alaya F kept the styling minimal, accessorising with nothing except one diamond ear cuff on one side. For makeup, she went the elegant and edgy route with a wash of silver eyeshadow and glossy pink lips.

“Diwali has always been a special time for me. In childhood, the festival meant sharing fireworks and fun with other children. My mother would make delicious sandesh, and for once, she would allow me to eat as many as I wanted. As I grew older, it was exciting to dress up for Diwali parties or garbas where my friends and I showed off our new clothes. When I had children, Diwali became a time for strengthening their heritage. For storytelling and lamplighting—and yes, making sandesh, though mine were never as fine as my mother’s. Now, in my 60s, there are still parties and fireworks, and I still love wearing my newest Indian outfits. But I am most interested in the spiritual meaning of the festival: that each of us can be a lamp, pushing back darkness, making the world a better place.”

Avni Doshi, Dubai

“Growing up, I never had any Diwali traditions that I was attached to. In fact, we often spent Diwali having dinner at an Indian restaurant. After my kids were born, I began exploring ways to make the day special for them: Lakshmi Puja, decorating the house with candles, marigolds and jasmine. And it continues to evolve—this year, the focus for me is a very special celebration of Kali Puja in a dear friend’s home.”

Mahesh Rao, Mysore, India

Diwali is the perfect excuse to shine a little brighter. From family dinners to rooftop parties, your look deserves finishing touches that feel special. The right festive accessories can shift your entire mood—think sparkle and texture that celebrate the light in every detail.

Below, discover four hero categories of festive accessories that will see you through every Diwali celebration in style.

Bejeweled Watches

There’s luxury, and then there’s time told in gemstones. This Diwali, opt for haute horology to carry you through the night. Go for colourful leather straps, gemstone encrusted dials and unusual shapes. A statement watch is the one accessory that just does it all.

Statement Earrings

The easiest way to channel Diwali glamour? Earrings that turn heads. Oversized jhumkas and gold drops that catch every flicker of light. These festive accessories strike the balance between classic and contemporary.

[Red Gold-Plated Acrylic Hoop Earrings](javascript:void(0);), AK-OK Jewellery by Anamika Khanna, ₹ 25,000

Party Bags with Personality

A statement bag is the punctuation mark of your Diwali look. Whether you gravitate towards sequinned potlis, beaded clutches or metallic box bags, make your part essentials hold-all the highlight of your outfit. Pair ornate saris with minimal clutches or your more subdued looks with arm candies that aren’t so easily forgettable.

[Misty Rose Sequin Tulle Rosota Minaudiere Bag](javascript:void(0);), AISHA RAO, ₹ 15,300

Gem Coloured Juttis

For all the talk of sparkle, comfort has its own kind of luxury. Enter gemstone-coloured juttis: emerald, ruby, sapphire and gold tones. They’re the unsung heroes of festive accessories, pairing just as well with brocade lehengas as with relaxed sahara sets. Perfect for dressing up without looking like you’ve put in so much effort.

[Lavendar Shantoon Azaa Juttis](javascript:void(0);), HOUSE OF VITTI, ₹ 3,690

Also read:

Diwali outfits that blend style with comfort—from embroidered pantsuits and pre-stitched saris to flowy kaftans

25 looks from Karisma Kapoor to help you get your Diwali wardrobe ready

35 Diwali food hampers that your party host will love to receive

Are you carrying your survival instincts into a time where you really must be focusing on long-term foundational plans, Sag? How can you create an empire if you think and feel like a slave? For you to be able to build something as large as you are dreaming of, you need to be able to hold the appetite for it without guilt and shame. This means that you could benefit from a little bit of time off to restring your energy and re-piece your heart and what you believe is possible for you. Take time to rest and recoup, Sag. Tough times are ending, and you must be willing to release the past from your grip.

Cosmic tip: Expect things to get better once you embrace the changes that are flowing in for you.

All the good you have done for others in the past is coming right back at you, Capricorn. What is needed of you right now is your ability to focus and demand only your most important priorities of the Universe, and you will find a fresh breath of life. Protect that which you have built for so long and find your fire to stay resilient and on course. This is the end of a tough cycle, and a happy outcome is dependent on your willingness to stay malleable, optimistic and on course.

Cosmic tip: Have courage and believe in yourself.

Is your fury burning down bridges, Aquarius? Is your expectation of how life should be really ruining your perspective and acceptance of how it is? Sure, visualisation can be a wonderful tool, but so can acceptance. If only you accept that you have bills to pay, can your visualisations of getting to that luxurious place in life get an early start, because you will know where to begin and how? The bumpy ride won’t last for long, but the way you show up will remain etched in your memories forever. Remember this, you beautiful soul.

Cosmic tip: Things are looking up, so breathe a sigh of relief.

Major times and themes have been unfolding in your life for you, Pisces. And wow, has this been feeling amazing! You are not just opening up to a new way of life, but you are also learning new ways in which you love exploring it. You are learning to fall in love with life, with love and with gentleness. You are learning to accept that not everything needs to be created in a rush. You are learning to remind yourself that slo-mo is true luxury. And yes, you do feel that you have finally arrived.

Cosmic tip: Confidently accept the opportunities being presented to you.

Manish Malhotra’s annual Diwali soirée unfolds like the ultimate who’s who event. This year, too, the bash, held at his Mumbai residence, drew Bollywood, fashion insiders and media luminaries, including names like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Gauri Khan, Nita Ambani, Kriti Sanon, Kajol and many others. Suhana Khan stood tall in her striking silk sari from the designer. Her drapes’ deep, royal hue set her apart amid a sea of festive metallics and reds.

The sari, in a gorgeous violet shade, is from the designer’s Inaya collection. It was “accentuated with intricate zari borders and vibrant woven panels in gold, vermilion and cobalt.” The pallu came alive in a symphony of colour and craft. Each panel showcased a unique weave, where florals were interspersed with architectural motifs in a visual dialogue of tradition and opulence. The blouse, a work of art in itself. Completely embroidered in gold threadwork, it served as the perfect accompaniment to the sari’s simplicity. The back-open design, with its delicate straps and structured form, added a subtle edge to the overall vintage aesthetic of the look.

Khan kept her jewellery deliberately minimal to amplify the sari’s statement. She opted for diamond drop earrings and skipped a necklace, allowing the intricate neckline of her embroidered blouse to shine. The highlights of her accessory look, instead, were her diamond palm cuff and cummerbund with gemstones and polkis, both from Malhotra’s eponymous high jewellery line, adding a modern edge to her traditional look. With her hair styled in soft, voluminous waves, her makeup look showcased a classic warm-toned glam with bronzed, smoky eyes enhanced by subtle winged liner and a soft nude-pink shade. From the colour and the craft to the styling and accessories, Suhana Khan embraced vintage glam in this stunning ensemble, channelling old-world Bollywood elegance with a modern twist.

Maybe you’re studying abroad, living apart from your family for work or simply can’t be around them for mental health reasons this year. Maybe you’ve been working for what feels like weeks on end and finally have some time to unwind. Maybe unwinding for you doesn’t mean bed rotting but finding something to do as a protest against toxic productivity. Put the spring-cleaning on pause this year and find something to do that will not only help you relax but also bring warmth, joy and a touch of home to wherever you are. Our list of hobbies to try during Diwali is great to get through either alone or with others, and there are plenty of resources and tips available online to help you get started.

1. Make your own Diwali decor

Arts and crafts are one of the most therapeutic hobbies out there. They’re also a great way to spend time with flatmates, colleagues and friends. Try your hand at making paper lanterns, hand-painting diyas or learning origami to create animals, flowers and more. You can also make candles with scents that remind you of home—cardamom, rose, sandalwood, etc.

2. Paint, sketch, draw, doodle—even if you’re bad at it

These activities can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not an artist or have never considered yourself good at art. But as intimidating as they seem, they’re also incredibly fun to do. Even if you are an artist but just haven’t had the time, the holidays are a perfect opportunity to pick up a paintbrush or pencil. Draw whatever your heart desires. Explore different painting styles and techniques. Sketch your friends, your parents, your pets, or even that view you really miss from home.

3. Play a game—not on your screen

For the iPad babies who have now grown up, crosswords, Sudoku or even a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle can be really fun to do. You can pick up game books at the bookstore too. These activities are great for groups as well: host a board game night with classics like Monopoly, Sequence, Catan or Scrabble.

4. Learn a language instead of relying on Apple’s Live Translation

Pick up that dusty French book you abandoned after high school. Sign up for a Duolingo course. Learn that ancestral language you’ve always wanted to speak to your grandmum in. You might not become a pro instantly, but the holidays are a perfect time to start learning a new language.

5. Go on a photography walk to get to know the city you’re in better

This is a foolproof way to get better at photography. Simply take your phone or any old camera lying around and go for a walk. You can explore your neighbourhood or any area of your choice (a park, a lake or a monument is a great place to start), photographing things that stand out to you. You can also watch YouTube tutorials to learn how to edit your photos more effectively. This activity is great to pick up, plus it will also help you get your daily steps in.

6. Write or journal—even if your thoughts are incoherent

The holidays are the perfect time to put the many thoughts swirling in your head down on paper. Journal your feelings. Write about home or what you miss. Write about your life and your emotions in the moment. Write about your thoughts, your opinions, your confusions. Write a poem, a letter, an email or even a story, and see where it takes you.

7. Do your longest movie marathon yet

Everybody loves a good movie marathon. Enter your cinephile era by catching up on the latest award winners. Or just watch the iconic Karan Johar classics because who doesn’t love those? Host a movie-night potluck or binge-watch a new TV show that’s been on your list. Oh, and get on Letterboxd.

8. Pick up a music instrument or put on your dancing shoes

If there was ever a time to dust off that guitar or keyboard, it’s now. Learn to play a festive tune and make a cover. Or learn a new choreography for a dance you’ve been loving (‘Gabriela’ by Katseye?)—maybe even attend a dance class.

9. Put your baking mittens to use

Try your hand at your own version of a recipe you loved back home. Make a simple kheer or halwa; perfect for the Diwali season and a lovely treat to share with friends and neighbours. Do some food prep for later, or finally make the dishes you’ve always wanted to try but never had the time for. Basically, eat what makes you happy.

10. Do nothing

Ignore this list of hobbies to try during Diwali. Rest. Sleep in. Watch paint dry. Hear the clock tick. Take care of yourself. Sometimes, you need to do absolutely nothing at all.

You’re changing not because you want to, but “because you’re influenced by the attention you’re going to get from doing so,” Brown says, a clear sign your identity is tethered more to his approval than your own values and interests.

3. You can’t make decisions without his opinion

This isn’t just about asking which shirt looks better or whether you should splurge on that new necklace you’ve been eyeing. If you’re unable to make choices (big or small) without getting his input first, this can signal a deeper issue.

“It stems from the belief, ‘My thoughts and opinions are less important,’” Brown says, which can influence some women to place extra weight on their partner’s judgment instead. The problem, however, is that “when their feedback is negative, it can invalidate your whole existence,” pushing you to seek their approval in more extreme ways—like ditching friends he doesn’t like, for instance, or changing your career plans to suit his lifestyle.

4. You ignore your own boundaries to please him

Maybe there’s something you’ve always felt strongly about—not staying out past midnight on a weeknight, never skipping your weekly book club meetings or sticking to a vegetarian diet. But according to Dr Guttman, suddenly compromising on these boundaries for men, in particular, is a clear sign you’re prioritising his potential happiness over your own needs and nonnegotiables—a habit that can erode your self-respect and train you to put others’ comfort above your own.

5. You ditch your loved ones for his attention

Instead of showing up for the people who’ve been there for you, you find yourself chasing breadcrumbs of attention from men you barely know. The second a cute stranger starts chatting you up at a bar, you leave your crew behind without a second thought—or even change your mannerisms (laugh louder, lean closer) to ensure you’re the only one catching his eye. This can show up in long-term relationships too: Your schedule revolves around his, which means your loved ones will end up on the back burner if he asks to spend time together.

According to Dr Guttman, this pattern says a lot about your priorities: “For you, spending time with a man is more important than spending time with friends—meaning you don’t view them equally.” And over time, that imbalance can not only hurt your existing friendships but also leave you feeling lonelier when you do cut off the people who truly know and support you.

How to stop craving male validation

The goal isn’t to suddenly pretend you don’t care what anyone thinks. “It’s about finding something else that gives you that same hit of excitement and confidence from within,” Brown says. Here are a few options to try:

1. Notice the strengths that have nothing to do with your appearance

Most of the validation we get from men tends to centre on looks—your outfit, your body, your face. While these compliments can feel good, they’re also fleeting—which is why a more sustainable confidence boost will come from reminding yourself of your inner value.

Between the power-woman looks and the ladylike styles of the ’80s, the grunge aesthetic in the form of plaid dresses of the ’90s has also captured attention. Not only did it appear in street style at the end of Fashion Week, but it also dominated the runways of renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Bally, and Ralph Lauren.

While grunge clothing often brings to mind the iconic creations of Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, or Marc Jacobs from the ’90s, Fall-Winter 2025 has revived this trend, making it a must-have for the season. Midi dresses in reddish tartan are back—but now with modern updates that truly elevate the look, from brushed wool fabrics to designs with volume at the hip. These daring pieces are made to unleash your inner rockstar.

Combat boots.

Archivo Condé Nast/Gorunway.

One thing the divas of the ’90s taught us: plaid motifs are meant to stand out. No longer do they hide in layers; they are the star pieces that scream winter style. Previously, tartan dresses were often styled with Dr. Martens, chunky sandals, or pointy flats. This season, elevate the look with modern footwear—elegant boots, Mary Janes, or heels. Here are seven runway-inspired ways to wear the revived grunge plaid dress trend. Here are some tips to style your 90s grunge plaid dresses.

Tartan print halter neck midi dress with metallic booties

Louis Vuitton Fall-Winter 2025.

Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.

Cosmic tip: Brilliant ideas come to you when you lie low for a bit.

You’re doing all you can, Sag, and sometimes a breakthrough occurs not by doing more, but by choosing to step away from the circus. And you know the magical thing that happens when you do? You begin to notice the common thread that ties it all together and then your problems don’t seem like problems at all because you have understood how to detangle your personal ball of wool.

Cosmic tip: it may be time to review things instead of looking over your shoulder and crying incessantly.

Do what you know is right, Capricorn. Stand up for your beliefs, stand tall on your ground and simply know that no matter what, fairness and justice will prevail. You have given freely of yourself and your skills, effort and time and you know something? The Universe has noticed it. So trust that when you are ready to move on, the cosmos will bring you onto the thing that is meant for you.

Cosmic tip: Don’t allow your old narratives to get in the way of new beginnings.

You are the master of the true nature of life, Aquarius—ever changing, ever mutating and ever fluid. Now that we got that one out, let’s come back to your present—you have been trying to assume the role of a creator, a guide, a mentor and simply a builder in any form, be it as a homemaker or a professional. And while this role may not seem easy and you may doubt if your efforts will really see daylight and whether you will even be appreciated for all you do, your guides remind you to stay optimistic because in the long term, not only will you be recognised and appreciated but you will also build something that is solid and stable.

Cosmic tip: Not everything noteworthy is visible today; some efforts bear fruit in hindsight.

Pisces, a complex decision needs to be made and you, my dear, need to be the one making it. But how, you ask? By listening to your gut. You don’t simply get excited about things for nothing; you get excited when they speak to your soul. You light up when something feels like home. And this is your answer to the toughest, most persistent questions you may pose to yourself. Open up to new experiences and instead of worrying that they will eat you up or take you down, mull over the possibilities that they might actually be pushing you to get down and build the life you want.

Cosmic tip: Honour your commitments and swipe on to the next best thing in your life.

The week’s fashion moments celebrated the many moods of Indianwear: heritage craftsmanship meeting modern refinement across festive soirées and gatherings. Karisma Kapoor embraced understated glamour in an ivory mirrorwork ensemble by Arpita Mehta, Shilpa Shetty celebrated Karva Chauth in a custom Torani. Dia Mirza chose a pearl-toned Sureena Chowdhri kurta set paired with jewellery from Jaipur. While Aditi Rao Hydari’s rose-hued Manish Malhotra sari offered a softer, romantic interpretation of festive dressing.

For a Jo Malone event, Karisma Kapoor embraced a polished festive mood in an ivory mirrorwork ensemble by Arpita Mehta. The look, elevated with a Jimmy Choo bag and polki-and ruby-studded earrings from Golecha Jewels. Kapoor wore her hair in a sleek, pulled-back do that accentuated her features. Her makeup—softly defined eyes, a touch of glow and muted lips—mirrored the clean, luxurious feel of the outfit, creating a study in refined maximalism.

Sonakshi Sinha radiated ethereal glamour in an ivory and gold anarkali from Itrh. The garment’s delicate mirrorwork and gota embroidery paid homage to classic detailing while embracing a modern sense of comfort; it was styled with a sheer dupatta and statement jhumkas. Her sleek bun, kohl-lined eyes and luminous makeup added a touch of understated drama, perfectly balancing the refined ensemble.