Posts in category: Life Style

You have given your all to a situation, Scorpio, and you could not have done anything other than what you did and how you showed up. Now listen up—this period of the unknown, it may feel scary and precarious, but it is also leading you to a place of deep surrender and faith. This is your time to let the sunbeams shine through, and this is your time to keep your steady pace and the long shot in mind. It is not an overnight shift; it will need you to show up—but differently and consistently.

Cosmic tip: You are already abundant, and you are setting up a foundation that will keep this abundance growing.

What is blocking you is not in your control; it is divine intervention. Sag, if you have been in the taking zone, it might be time to give back wholeheartedly. If you have been pressing for specific outcomes, it may be your turn to allow flow and surrender. If you have been feeling overburdened or burnt out, it may be a sign from the cosmos to pick a higher vantage point. Whatever your case, Sag, the only way to get things flowing is by allowing yourself to flow with your situation and life as well. And you know the best part? You will still leave your footprints along the way, so make sure you leave them in ways you like.

Cosmic tip: To stay on course, stay determined, focused and wide-lensed.

When you build your orchard, it is also up to you, Capricorn, to ensure that no one steals from it. This is not to say that you cannot share; however, your guides remind you that sharing is very different from stealth, and you know it yourself, too. So while you focus on remaining straightforward, also remember to only allow this uprightness to be acceptable in your life and dealings when you are on the receiving end. It is okay to detach from a village that drains you to reframe your focus on those who support you as well.

Cosmic tip: You need to shine, and you don’t need to play it small to appease others anymore. Do it graciously and with utmost respect.

If sheer dresses seem to be everywhere right now, it’s because they are. Once meant to shock, they’ve become part of the everyday wardrobe. What started on runways has evolved into a play of light, texture and silhouette. Designers are treating transparency as craft, using tulle, mesh and organza to reveal structure rather than skin.

Whether layered over jeans, paired with boots for a night out or styled with tailoring, sheer dresses prove that a hint of translucence can be far more striking than full coverage.

The slip revival

The ’90s slip dress returns, this time under a veil of transparency. Think diaphanous layers in solid colours. Pair with metallic accessories and tailored pieces for the full effect.

Bias-cut cami slip dress, VICTORIA BECKHAM, ₹1,67,349

Black Net & Satin Embellished Slip Dress, KANIKA GOYAL LABEL, ₹21,500

The tulle experiment

Volume meets sheerness. Forget the frothy princess look, this season’s versions are architectural, with ruched panels and asymmetric cuts. For daytime, layer a sheer tulle dress over a crisp cotton shirt for a casual touch.

Bow-appliqué tulle midi dress, Maison Margiela, ₹2,74,977

Strapless tube midi, GAURI & NAINIKA, ₹74,000

Organza minimalism

If you prefer structure over sway, organza’s your fabric. Its semi-opaque finish catches the light just enough to catch eyes. Look for tailored sheer dresses that move between work and weekend with ease. Add leather flats and a box bag to complete the look.

Pink Sheer Organza Metallic Paneled Dress, AMIT AGGARWAL, ₹37,403

The body veil

Body-skimming mesh dresses have emerged as the wardrobe wildcard: equally at home on a red carpet or rooftop party. The key is balance. A long coat, opaque tights or knee-high boots temper the exposure.

Rhinestone-embellished mesh maxi dress, PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI, ₹1,28,063

Raven Viscose Sheer Lace Dress, LEH STUDIO, ₹17,500

Sheer for everyday

If full transparency feels too bold, start small. Layer a sheer shirt-dress over trousers, or a gauzy maxi over a bodysuit. The trick is to treat transparency like texture, not a theme.

Black Organza Sheer Collared Shirt Dres, SNEHA ARORA, ₹19,589

Also read:

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

10 Vogue-approved workwear kurtas to level up your desi corpcore style

Stacking bangles is the maximalist move of the season

This also doesn’t mean that every stressful event may result in broken heart syndrome. Dr Fergus goes on to say that studies suggest that those who are dealing with this specific heart condition may also have a preexisting condition or underlying predisposition to heart issues. “[That stressful event] can make your cortisol stress levels go up,” she says. “It can affect the sympathetic nervous system, which causes these substances called catecholamines to skyrocket. [But] your heart can [also] malfunction because it [beats] too fast or it just doesn’t function well.”

What can exercise do for broken heart syndrome?

According to The Guardian, a study featured at the European Society of Cardiology annual congress has shown progress in finding a real cure for broken heart syndrome. The study was done with 76 patients diagnosed with takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Some were assigned cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) while others were assigned exercise activities such as aerobics, swimming, and cycling in addition to their standard care for their condition for 12 weeks. It was then found that they had more energy to accomplish physical activity and showed signs of improved health compared to the group that just received standard care. This led researchers to believe that exercise and CBT can reduce the more serious side effects of broken heart syndrome, such as heart failure and even death.

“People may not be as surprised that an exercise program helped heart patients, but it is intriguing that this study also showed that cognitive behavioural therapy improved heart function and patients’ fitness,” Sonya Babu-Narayan, MD, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation (which funded the trial presented), told The Guardian. “More research is needed to find out whether these approaches improve survival or symptoms over the long term.” [Vogue reached out to the European Society of Cardiology for comment on the study, as well as a copy of it for reference. It did not get back in time for publication.]

Dr Fergus says that, in general, those who experience heart failure, a heart attack, an irregular heartbeat, or a condition where their heart function is reduced will be prescribed cardiac rehab or exercise. Using that same logic, she says, it makes sense that these studies would draw the same conclusion for broken heart syndrome. Exercise allows more oxygen to reach the heart, strengthening it, she says, and it can boost your mood.

This week’s fashion calendar saw a striking mix of textures and moods across events and galas. Ananya Panday served contemporary Chanel minimalism, while Janhvi Kapoor channelled ’80s Ungaro glamour in Paris. Kareena Kapoor Khan arrived in a black bodycon in Dubai, while Huma Qureshi and Sara Ali Khan closed couture runways. Closer to home, Indianwear found fresh expression in Sanya Malhotra’s cape-draped sari. Whether archival, artisanal or avant-garde, each look stood out for the clarity of its vision and execution.

Kareena Kapoor Khan brought sculptural glamour to Dubai in a sweeping black bodycon gown from Rahul Mishra. The sweetheart neckline gave way to off-shoulder mesh sleeves that extended dramatically past her shoulders, holding their solid structure with black stripes running across each arm. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, her diamond bijoux—oversized solitaires by Mehta & Sons and statement rings by Anjali Bhimrajka Fine Jewels—amplified the gown’s architectural precision. Her centre-parted hair, worn loose, and winged eyeliner added a striking finish.

Navya Naveli Nanda reimagined traditional finery through a crystal-encrusted lens in an Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla set from the Raj collection. Her sheer kurti, churidar and dupatta were covered in thousands of hand-placed crystals arranged in scalloped motifs, marrying European sensibilities with time-honoured Indian silhouettes. Transparent heels and delicate diamond earrings completed the look. Side-parted hair and blush-toned makeup complemented the opulent vibe.

She tells me about her early student days, when she received over-the-top praise for her first poem and her professor told her, “You’re a poet.” She stopped writing and dropped out of the class. “I was just afraid to be a disappointment with the next thing I wrote. I felt like I could only go down from there. I worried that what I’d written was a fluke and that I didn’t actually have real talent.”

Margaret Atwood considers Awad her “literary heir apparent”. If we were considering contenders for “it”—that mysterious talent, charisma, voice, whatever makes someone exceptional—Awad would definitely be in the running. Her work has brought people together in strange ways. “Friends and strangers find each other, people form communities, they even reconnect with family because of Bunny. These are the stories I hear again and again as I go on the road in every city. I love that because ultimately, that book is about love. About the transformative power of love. And so is We Love You, Bunny.”

Art is central to Awad’s life and writing, and it shows. She cites Frankenstein, The Hare’s Bride, Beauty and the Beast, and the works of Shakespeare as inspirations for We Love You, Bunny. We talk about poetry, and she observes, “The strangest thing about poetry is that it’s impossible to sell it. It’s very difficult. People don’t buy it. But when you get married, when you’re dying, in these really incredible moments in your life, these transitional, huge moments, you want a poem. It’s work that allows you to meet the biggest moments in your life. But novel writing is something else.”

She’s already at work on a new novel, a dark romantic bookstore comedy inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Bunny is also being developed as a film. And yes, there will be a third Bunny book. She plays coy at first, “There might be, yes. No, there will be. Oh, there will be.” When I ask if I can guess the next book’s plot, she smiles secretively. “Sure.” Hearing my guess, she smiles wider. “It’s a pretty good one. I’m impressed. That’s all I’ll say.” We would love to tell you, Bunny, but it’s our little secret, K?

They’re securing a last-minute dinner reservation for six. They’re calling the Uber—and double-checking that no one left their phone, ID and wallet behind. They’re confirming the time and place for next week’s hangout in the otherwise quiet group chat. Meet the unsung hero of every social circle: The “mom friend.”

Even if people don’t call them that outright, “this really is one of the most common roles in friendships,” says Christina Ferrari, PsyD, a clinical psychologist based in Miami. The mom of the friend group is the person who organises, plans and keeps things on track. But don’t get it twisted: While being the responsible one in fun social settings sounds like another way of saying you’re uptight, controlling and boring, “they’re the glue that holds the crew together,” as Dr. Ferrari points out—even though their efforts usually go unnoticed. Here are a few classic traits of the ‘mom friend’—and the behind-the-scenes ways they keep everything (and everyone) connected.

1. They’re proactive in making plans happen

Everyone has probably tossed around the vague, “We should hang out soon!” However, it’s the “mom” friend who makes sure it actually happens. According to Dr Ferrari, that might involve wrangling everyone’s schedules until they align, scrolling through endless restaurant reviews to snag the perfect reservation or sending thoughtful day-before reminders so the plan actually sticks. “When hangouts go smoothly, people often assume they just came together,” Dr Ferrari says. “However, this is all a result of the ‘mom’ friend’s emotional, invisible labour, which goes unnoticed until it’s missing.”

2. They’re especially thoughtful and attentive

“The ‘mom’ friend is great at anticipating the group’s needs ahead of time,” says Kimberly Horn, EdD, MSW, psychologist and author of Friends Matter, for Life: Harnessing the 8 Tenets of Dynamic Friendship. “They’re high nurturers and extremely detail-oriented.” For example, they might show up to movie night with extra snacks because they knew someone would get hungry. Or they always remember everyone’s birthdays—and make sure each one feels special with a thoughtful text, card or some other small gesture that says, I see you. These subtle but compassionate acts often go overlooked, but Horn says that for the “mom” friend, they’re always a top priority.

3. They’re reliable, emotional anchors

Whether it’s wise breakup advice at 2am or career guidance to get you closer to a promotion, Dr. Ferrari says the “mom” friend is the one you’ll instinctively turn to (and trust) whenever you need support. They bring steadiness when everything feels uncertain and offer a listening ear for all of your problems without judgment. And much like a parent, they‘ll quietly make themselves available through sweet, “Just thinking about you—is everything okay?” texts or surprise coffee runs when they know you’ve had a bad mental health day.

4. They look out for everyone’s safety

No one wants to be the person reminding everyone to reapply sunscreen or drink water between tequila shots. But the mom friend will—and make it feel less like nagging and more like an act of care.

“Safeguarding is a very underrated but important role in friendships,” Horn points out. It can feel like a buzzkill in the moment, but it takes a surprising amount of intentionality, thoughtfulness and emotional intelligence to make sure no one gets left behind at the bar, or to notice when another friend’s mood is off.

In the world of Indian menswear, a well-fitted kurta pajama can exude elegance, heritage, and refined taste. It’s no surprise that many men gravitate toward sleek, snug silhouettes, especially when selecting traditional Indian menswear for weddings, parties, or cultural festivals. The sharp tailoring and flattering cuts lend themselves well to celebration.

But while fitted styles may look appealing, they aren’t always the best choice for everyday wear. Prolonged use of tight kurta pajamas may come with unexpected health, hygiene, and comfort risks that are easy to overlook in the name of fashion.

At Nihal Fashions, we believe clothing should enhance (not compromise) your lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know about the hidden dangers of wearing tight-fitted kurtas daily and how to strike the perfect balance between form and function.

Restricted Movement and Circulation Issues

Tight kurta pajamas can seriously limit your body’s natural range of motion. Constriction in areas like the chest, shoulders, waist, and thighs can reduce blood flow and increase discomfort during long periods of wear. While the impact may not be immediately noticeable, wearing tight garments daily can lead to cumulative stress on your muscles and nerves.

• Common Effects: Numbness in arms or legs, tingling sensations, or shoulder stiffness.
• Risk Areas: Tight collars, sleeve cuffs, and narrow leg fits are the main culprits. These areas may feel fine at first, but after hours of wear, discomfort often sets in.
• Posture Impact: Restricted movement may alter how you sit, stand, or walk, potentially contributing to long-term posture problems.

While a structured kurta pajama might be appropriate for one-time events like receptions or family photoshoots, it is not built for daily mobility. For frequent use, your Indian men’s clothing should support comfort, not suppress it.

Skin Irritation, Overheating, and Hygiene Risks

Wearing tight kurtas (especially in hot or humid weather) can lead to excessive sweating and reduced airflow. This not only creates discomfort but also raises serious hygiene concerns.

• Friction & Sweat: Constant rubbing against the skin, paired with trapped sweat, can cause rashes, itchiness, and even fungal infections.
• Non-Breathable Fabrics: Synthetic materials like polyester may look polished, but they don’t allow your skin to breathe. Moisture gets locked in, leading to bacterial buildup and unpleasant odors.
• Heat Retention: In summer, tight fits can overheat your body faster, contributing to dehydration, fatigue, or dizziness.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Treat it with care by choosing breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or blended silks, especially for everyday wear. These materials help maintain optimal skin health while still honoring the elegance of traditional Indian menswear for weddings and beyond.

Long-Term Posture and Musculoskeletal Stress

Most men don’t associate kurtas and pajamas with back pain or joint strain, but poorly fitted garments can play a surprising role in musculoskeletal discomfort.

• Lower Back & Hip Strain: Overly tight pajama pants restrict leg movement and strain the hip flexors. Over time, this can affect your lower back.
• Knee Discomfort: If your pants don’t provide enough flexibility at the knees, sitting or bending may place undue pressure on the joints.
• Shoulder Fatigue: Sleeves that are too tight across the shoulders can limit arm rotation and lead to chronic stiffness.

The consequences may take weeks or even months to appear, but they’re very real. A little extra room in the cut of your pajama or kurta sleeves can go a long way in preventing long-term discomfort.

Compromised Confidence and Energy Levels

Fashion is supposed to make you feel confident, right? Ironically, tight-fitting clothes can have the opposite effect over time. When you’re physically uncomfortable, it’s difficult to remain mentally composed or socially engaged.

• Self-Conscious Adjustments: Constantly adjusting tight collars or tugging at constricted pants is not only distracting, it draws attention and erodes your confidence.
• Physical Fatigue: Clothing that doesn’t let your body move freely can reduce your energy output and make daily tasks feel heavier than they should.
• Mental Drain: When your outfit is a source of discomfort, your mood and productivity may decline throughout the day.

Looking good shouldn’t come at the cost of feeling good. The right fit balances both, and that’s where thoughtful design comes in.

How to Strike the Right Balance

Wearing a kurta pajama doesn’t have to be a choice between beauty and comfort. You can have both if you know what to look for.

1. Fabric First

Choose breathable, skin-friendly fabrics like:

• Cotton: Perfect for daily wear, highly breathable, and easy to care for.
• Silk-Cotton Blends: Elegant with a soft feel, great for semi-formal wear.
• Linen: A top choice for hot climates, allowing maximum airflow.

Avoid thick synthetics unless they’re reserved for short-term, high-style events.

2. Mind the Fit

A “tailored” fit doesn’t mean tight. Look for:

• Slight room around the shoulders and chest for natural breathing.
• Relaxed sleeve cuffs that don’t dig into your wrists.
• Pajama bottoms that allow full knee and hip movement without bunching.

You’ll be surprised how much better you feel in clothes that fit well without squeezing you.

3. Reserve Structure for Special Occasions

For weddings, festivals, or formal photoshoots, it’s fine to go with a sleeker silhouette. Choose from our structured traditional Indian menswear for weddings at Nihal Fashions, designed for short-term elegance without long-term wear.

For daily outfits, shift toward comfort-driven tailoring that honors the same heritage in more breathable forms.

Shop Smart with Nihal Fashions

At Nihal Fashions, we’ve curated a collection of Indian men’s clothing that bridges the gap between tradition and comfort. Whether you’re suiting up for a wedding or choosing breathable daily wear, our designs prioritize both aesthetics and function.

• Tailored Kurta Pajama Sets: Available in a wide range of cuts and sizes to suit every body type.
• Premium Fabric Options: From handwoven cottons to lightweight silks.
• Wedding-Ready Styles: Formal pieces with embroidery, embellishments, and regal detailing.

Our team understands that style should serve your lifestyle, not work against it. That’s why we take pride in offering clothing that moves with you, not against you.

Your Health, Your Style, Your Choice

Wearing tight kurtas every day may not seem like a big deal, but the effects can stack up quickly. From reduced circulation and posture problems to hygiene concerns and energy drains, your daily wear decisions matter.

That doesn’t mean sacrificing elegance or tradition. You just need to make smarter choices.

Start by investing in pieces that are:

• Comfortable for daily wear
• Breathable in all climates
• Thoughtfully designed for modern movement
• Rooted in timeless cultural heritage

Let Nihal Fashions be your guide. Whether you’re shopping for a big celebration or refreshing your weekday wardrobe, you’ll find everything you need to look sharp and feel great.

Shop smarter. Dress better. Feel the difference.

You are a walking glitch in the matrix, Taurus. Now, will you simply take a moment to soak it all in. You think and the Universe moves, you blink and time skips a beat and you take that leap of faith and the cosmos pulls out your safety net. Wow! You really are onto something, my love. Now that you know your little secret to your synchronistic little life, you, why don’t you consider trusting yourself and the cosmos a tad more? Allow the sun to revitalise your entire being and the moon to guide your intuition.

Cosmic tip: Think long term and take action accordingly.

You know what your hidden superpower power, Gemini? Your ability to keep going at something, no matter how long it takes. Once you have your eyes set on your destination, nothing comes in the way of you making your way towards it, not even you. You have shown tremendous courage in your recent past, and your angels, guides and the cosmos are rewarding you deeply and generously.

Cosmic tip: Your fortune is about to turn for the best. Keep going.

You have finally made a choice, Cancer and the divine, the cosmos, your angels and guides are all supporting you. Your next steps are to be led through intuition, not habit. Your plan is to be crafted through your soul not through logic. You are already able to see the future you want, and it feels so comfortable and reassuring in all the best ways. Now this is your time to gain clarity about how you want to manifest and create it. Rest your swords, take some downtime, and then emerge when you are ready. If you can think it, you can craft it.

Cosmic tip: Nature is not perennial, and you are nature.

Soon you will be ready to walk away from all that nonsense that keeps you thinking overtime and working non-stop, even while you crave restful periods. Leo, you may have many options on the table, but are you still looking for something more? Yes, you are. The meaning you are seeking in your life is seldom found where the crowds lead. It is found in quiet, introspective moments when you are with yourself: mind, body and soul. The question remains—are you willing to go where no one in your circles has been before and more importantly, are you willing to meet yourself all over again?

Start with the legs

If you’re new to working out, it’s best to focus on the legs. They are the largest reservoir of muscle mass in the body and also the quickest to deteriorate. In addition, the legs contain a lot of fast-twitch fibres, so training them is vital.

Prioritise intensity over reps

Do reps at a high intensity (quickly) to work the fast-twitch fibres. It is recommended to do a few repetitions, half or less of the maximum you can do, to avoid fatigue. “The key is speed and intensity, because that’s what activates the fast fibres through the nervous system,” says Isidro.

Incorporate rest

Give yourself plenty of time to rest between sets. At a minimum, rest time should be one minute, but two or three minutes between exercises is even better. “You’re fully recovered when you can speak and sing, not just grunt monosyllables,” says Isidro.

Avoid fatigue

“It is essential that the exercise be non-exhausting or fatiguing. When you fatigue, you’re working the slow-twitch fibre and continuing to lose fast-twitch fibres,” says Isidro. “It’s better to do a few exercises well and repeat them a couple of times. Stop before fatigue sets in.”

Start small

Start with short workout sessions that last five to 15 minutes. Do them in circuit format, alternating exercises with breaks. “We all have 10 minutes a day if we prioritise. Forget your previous experience – many of us think that exercise should be tiring and painful [in order] to work. If we do less, we enjoy it more and see the benefits, creating a positive ripple effect.”

Breathe right

Working the respiratory muscles is also essential, because it improves recovery and endurance. Take long, full breaths, breathing into the diaphragm.

When, where and how

According to Isidro, the best time to exercise is in the morning. “This stimulates the sympathetic system early, which makes it easier for the parasympathetic system to be stimulated in the evening, improving sleep.” If possible, exercise outdoors, because contact with nature and socialisation have a direct and positive effect on health.

You don’t need a gym to get the benefits. Working out with your own body weight can be really effective. “The important thing is that the exercises are adapted to your fitness level, so that you can repeat and maintain them over time,” Isidro says. “And if you can do them in a group or with friends, even better. Socialising motivates, engages, and, as studies show, lengthens life.”

How to test your muscle function

Several simple tests can be done at home in order to check your current strength level and to show you where we may need to improve. “The important thing about these tests is not only to know where we are, but also to measure how we are progressing,” notes Isidro. “Sometimes the change is perceived in how we feel, but other times we need objective data, and these are very simple tools that allow us to tangibly see how strength training is helping us improve.” Below, some of those tests:

This 100-day pop-up promises to be an immersive experience for patrons, where there is a new concept to savour and explore every 30 days. Conceptualised by Eaterrati, a food and drink platform in collaboration with PORT Kitchen & Bar tucked away in Mahalaxmi, the pop-up unfolds in layers with plates and cocktails with a twist. This month features a festive edit with chef Yash Chhabria doing a selection of bonbons based on stereotypes in everyone’s social circles—think boozy options along with Indian burfi-inspired ones, from mezcal and honey to raspberry-infused gin and matcha, walnut halwa and masala chai caramel.

Address: Shakti Mills Lane, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Tel: 09833897317

The Oberoi, Mumbai x Odette Singapore (pop-up)

The Singapore-based three Michelin-starred modern French restaurant is popping up at Vetro at The Oberoi, Mumbai for two exclusive evenings, as well as at Wabi Sabi at The Oberoi, Bengaluru. Guided by award-winning chef Julien Royer, the exclusive menu includes highlights such as mangrove crab with horseradish, nashi pear and kristal caviar, avocado gourmandise with finger lime and coriander, and Kyoto miso endive with sake butter and yuzu, among other refined plates—all paired with exceptional wines.