Posts in category: Life Style

Of course, such solitude isn’t always sublime. “It’s physical too,” Desai says. “You lose your stamina, your health.” Her eyes, she tells me, are failing. “I need to rest them now. Swimming used to help, but I haven’t been doing that either.” Her confession doesn’t carry the romance of the tortured artist, just the realism of a woman who has chosen the long road over the loud one.

And yet, Desai is no Luddite nostalgist. The Loneliness of Sunny and Sonia takes place in the ’90s and early 2000s and may feel like a fossil to younger readers, but she defends her decision to set the novel in the past. “Yes, it’s a book of the past, but loneliness hasn’t changed,” Desai says. “If anything, it has become more profound. The social media generation longs for depth and stillness.” In her fiction, she hopes they might find what she once did growing up: “That feeling of vanishing into a book, of letting it become your world.”

If Kiran Desai’s earlier books roamed continents, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny tunnels inward—into grief, family and the private wars we fight alone.

The most tender moment of our conversation arrives when we speak of her mother, Anita. “She was the first person who read this book,” Desai says. “When I couldn’t see the shape of it, she could.” Their relationship has evolved from the literary to the literal; Desai now cares for her 88-year-old mother when she can, reading and writing in her home, an hour and a half away. “She never made me feel like I was competing with her. She was always a reader first, a little bit editor, but mostly, a mother.”

The intersection of Indian craft and global couture has increasingly found its place on international runways and front rows. Sonam Kapoor joined that conversation at London Fashion Week for the AK|OK Anamika Khanna showcase, in an ensemble styled by Rhea Kapoor that underscored how artisanal detail can translate seamlessly onto a global stage.

Her look came from Anamika Khanna itself: a long-line embroidered jacket covered in a geometric repeat print of interlocking circular and diamond motifs in muted reds, blacks and sage greens. Running through the pattern were lines of golden sequins, placed with a kind of deliberate irregularity yet forming a symmetrical rhythm across the surface, catching the light with every movement. Underneath, she layered a crisp white shirt with a cape-style sleeve that gave the tailored silhouette an unexpected fluidity and asymmetrical rhythm. A gem-studded vintage brooch, pinned near the shoulder, introduced a regal focal point.

Accessories extended the artisanal narrative. A matching embroidered cap picked up the jacket’s graphic detailing, while an Anamika Khanna clutch, compact and richly textured, tied the look together. Jewellery—sculptural silver earrings and rings—by Apala by Sumit and Surabhi Didwania added weight and dimension and held their own against the contemporary tailoring.

Sonam Kapoor’s beauty choices amplified the look’s intensity. Dark, smoky eyes rimmed with kohl created a sharp gaze, offset by a nude matte lip and softly contoured cheeks. Hair was left sleek and straight, tucked neatly behind the ears to allow the embroidery and jewellery to remain the focal point.

From Vogue‘s fashion desk:

“Drop the cap and the heavy jewellery apart from the brooch. Add sharp metallic pumps instead of the black, to make it evening-ready without toeing the line on costume territory,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.

Does running age your face? Dermatologists say the changes, often described as runner’s face, are less about the sport itself and more about what your skin is exposed to while you train. Over time, a post-run glow can give way to hollow cheeks, sharper contours and a prematurely aged look.

“Runner’s face is not a medical diagnosis,” says Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, medical aesthetician and founder of ISAAC Luxe. “It’s a descriptive term for a set of visible facial changes sometimes observed in people who run extensively, especially outdoors. These changes can include sunken cheeks, more prominent bony contours, deepened nasolabial and marionette lines (smile lines), leathery or wrinkled skin from sun damage, and an overall prematurely aged appearance.”

Running itself isn’t the culprit. It’s the environment runners move through. “Outdoor exercise subjects the skin to cumulative oxidative stress from UV radiation, heat, and pollutants,” explains Dr Taruna Yadav, head of Ayurvedic research and communications at Forest Essentials. “This accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the scaffolding that keeps skin firm and youthful. Sweat and dehydration then compound the impact, stripping away natural oils and weakening the skin barrier.”

Who’s most at risk of runner’s face?

Those logging long hours outdoors without consistent skin protection are most prone. The changes aren’t sudden; they build slowly over months and years of endurance training.

“Long-distance runners, such as marathoners, are more likely to show signs of runner’s face compared to sprinters,” says Anand Thakur, fitness expert at Reaviva Holistic Health. “Endurance training uses energy systems that, over time, can contribute to both fat and muscle loss, which may lead to a leaner, more hollow appearance. In contrast, sprint training supports muscle strengthening and helps maintain a more anabolic, muscle-preserving state.”

For recreational runners or those who balance mileage with strength work and skincare, the risk is far lower and often preventable.

The skincare playbook for runners

The first hints of runner’s face are easy to miss: slightly flatter cheeks, deeper smile lines, faint under-eye hollows or sun spots that linger. Left unchecked, those early changes can progress into more pronounced signs of ageing that creams alone won’t reverse.

Prevention, then, becomes the real focus and sunscreen remains the frontline defence. “A broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50, applied 20–30 minutes before you run and topped up every few hours, makes all the difference,” says Dr Siddhi Tiwari of The White Door. Caps, sunglasses and UPF clothing add another layer of protection.

It’s easy to judge people based on their family setup (whether it’s fair or not). The “momma’s boy,” for instance, is overly dependent and immature. The “only child” has historically been characterised as selfish or spoiled. But there’s one particular dynamic garnering more positive attention: guys with older sisters.

Consider Luke Dunphy in Modern Family. He’s goofy and a little scatterbrained, sure, but he actually respects the women in his life. (A rare trait for a sitcom teen boy). Or Robert Irwin, whose stint on this season of Dancing With the Stars has already included several moments of praise for his big sis and inspiration, Bindi.

Of course, having an older sister doesn’t automatically make a guy a saint. But older siblings do have the unique position to act as both an influence and a peer—close enough in age to feel like a friend, but with just enough authority to keep you in check. So for men raised with female role models in particular, family therapists say this relationship can be uniquely formative—and a standout quality to look for in romantic relationships. Here’s why.

Younger brothers are moulded to be thoughtful

Sure, anyone can fake good manners when they’re trying to impress a first date (or score a hookup). But genuine thoughtfulness—the kind that comes naturally? That’s often drilled into you by older sisters who demand it as a given, says Nari Jeter, LMFT, a licensed couples therapist in Florida and cohost of The Coupled Podcast.

A woman, for instance, might hardwire small courtesies (holding the door, offering to carry a heavy bag, showing up on time) into their younger brother—acts plenty of men (unfortunately) could use a little reminder on. Essentially, they’re used to meeting an expectation where rudeness and thoughtlessness aren’t tolerated—because their older sister made sure of that.

Guys with older sisters are also empathetic about what women go through

“Younger brothers who are close to their older sisters tend to have a deeper respect and understanding for women’s lived experiences,” says Erin Runt, LMFT, a Chicago-based licensed therapist. They’ve probably seen (or at least heard family dinner rants about) the emotional fallout of cheating exes, the casual misogyny in the workplace and the relentless hell of a monthly menstrual cycle.

There was a time, not so long ago, when classic polo shirts didn’t scream “fashion”. Most of us associated them with dads playing golf, or else a sort of preppy look solely beloved by people who went to boarding school and wore pearl studs. Not so much now. Ever since the likes of Miu Miu and Challengers revived the polo in 2024, we’ve seen the classic staple undergo a number of rebrands, with the spring/summer 2026 runways absolutely teaming in preppy polos, and celebs like Rihanna and Lorde making the polo cool again throughout the year.

It should come as no surprise, then, that already this fashion month, the humble polo has become a street-style favourite – especially among the off-duty models in New York, who always tend to make the most basic of items look aspirational. Whether thrown on with low-slung jeans or styled with long flowy skirts or autumn jackets, the polo shirt has become inescapable among New York Fashion Week guests and models alike. Iris Law wore hers with a suede mini and Louis Vuitton bag, icy blonde hair pressed to the side, showing that there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all way to wear a polo.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

It makes sense that the polo has become a firm street-style favourite this month. This autumn, it feels like everyone’s taking “back-to-school” dressing especially literally, with ties, tailored shirts, cardigans and pleated skirts filtering through from many of the autumn/winter 2025 collections.

“I loved this idea of these schoolyard characters – the headmistress, the teacher, the girls… the boys behind the bike sheds, the girls watching the rugby matches,” Simone Rocha told British Vogue back in February, speaking of a collection filled with frilled rugby shirts and bow-embellished rucksacks. “There’s this very playful, flirtatious feeling.” We might say the same of the polo shirt. There’s something cheeky about wearing an item so associated with uniforms out and about, or to see a show.

Cosmic tip: You will find what you are looking for.

You need not do it all alone, Virgo. Leave the choice and the consequences to the cosmos and just recall your energy back to yourself. You may have endured a lot; however, your present life is also a gift born out of the love your soul wanted to welcome into its experience. Unless you experience hardship, one doesn’t realise the depth of joy that comes in waves. This is not to say that hardship feels good. It is simply to say that it serves a purpose—ironically, to make the sweetness feel sweeter.

Cosmic tip: This is the time when you not only learn to accept things as they are but also to love yourself unconditionally.

You’ve picked your options wisely. You’ve placed your bets, and now you are here, Libra, waiting on things to conspire long term but also making waves wherever you go. This may not be the time for you to actively engage with everything that flows into your life; instead, choosing your point of focus may actually shape things up in a firmer, much more steadfast manner for you. Your life is about to pick up pace, and you, my dear friend, are about to shine like a crazy diamond.

Cosmic tip: Stay receptive to welcome fresh new incoming waves.

You’ve been working hard, but have you gotten to a point where the mental pressure to keep going has gotten you to a point of becoming apathetic and perhaps even disengaged? Scorpio, it’s time you set up a system and got organised—be it in your finances, approach to life, workload or anything else. Working in a frenzy will not get you where you need to be; however, a diligently thought-out approach to life and everything that is happening will help you manoeuvre through the keyholes, taking small steps towards big goals.

Cosmic tip: It will happen one way or another. Do not hurry.

You have been working so hard, been so patient and perhaps even been nurturing something to life. Sag, your muscle memory is kicking in and you are being reminded of all the skills, ideas, systems, inspirations and experiences you picked up along the way. These are here to help you save the day. These are here to help you remember that what may have once felt insurmountable is now very plausible in thought and action. So allow your inner servitude to end and a new journey to begin. You are good for it.

Beige linen carried small embroidered motifs, paired with a blouse scattered in tiny bugs and a jacket printed with watercolour florals. Wood and gold bangles, a metallic clutch, a green bindi. Three distinct notes that landed in sync, turning the ordinary into something layered.

Gaurang Shah lehenga

This Jamdani Gaurang Shah lehenga took 18 months to weave. Inspired by Mughal gardens, it bloomed in shades of pink, orange and green across a pale gold base. A structured blouse, a soft dupatta, a charkha-spun weave holding the pattern together. She wore it with a gem-set belt and choker that echoed the garden palette.

Jayanti Reddy anarkali and sari

Ivory lehengas have long carried their own vocabulary in Indian fashion: luminous and striking without the pull of colour. Suhana Khan’s recent appearance in Torani’s Maahē Nyra lehenga choli reflected that idea with a styling that felt light and modern.

Crafted in jeni silk and organza, the lehenga was closely fitted at the waist and hips, almost corset-like, before flaring dramatically into a wide, flowing skirt that unfurled like a painted manuscript, with each motif brought to life through fine gold hand embroidery. The choli featured a gently scalloped neckline and fitted bodice that struck a delicate balance between structure and softness, while the sheer dupatta, edged in ornate zari, was draped over one shoulder, giving the silhouette fluidity.

Equally thoughtful was the jewellery, chosen as an extension of the lehenga’s theme. Instead of overwhelming the look with sparkle, Khan wore two layered neckpieces, an emerald-studded choker and a longer, more delicate string of stones, paired with drop earrings. On her hands, an emerald ring was complemented by another statement ring. The green, vivid against the ivory and gold, added an unexpected sharpness, while still echoing the timelessness of heirloom gems. A stack of kundan-meets-emerald bangles on one wrist added rhythm to the composition. In her hands, a jewelled potli brought a final touch of ornament.

Her hair was styled in soft waves with a few strands pinned back. A small bindi gave a traditional accent. Makeup stayed light with natural skin, a hint of blush, kohl at the eyes and pink lips. Glossy beige nails kept the focus on embroidery and gems.

Your phone is not a soft start. Especially not at 6.14 am, when you’re blinking at a blurry WhatsApp, cortisol already rising, still curled in yesterday’s regret. You tell yourself it’s just catching up, just looking, just vibing, but what you’re actually doing is feeding a brain that’s still booting up like Windows 98.

Biologically, the early morning is a delicate hormonal window. Cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone, rises sharply between 6am and 9am, not as a threat response but as part of your circadian rhythm to help you wake up. It’s meant to be a gentle lift. What it doesn’t need is blue light, Instagram stories, five Slack pings and a reel about biohacking your skincare routine before you’ve even stretched.

What science tells us about screens, stress and attention

In a 2022 clinical trial on digital screen use, researchers found that reducing media exposure significantly improved mood and well-being over just two weeks. While the cortisol biomarker shifts weren’t dramatic across all participants, the trend was consistent: less screen time, better baseline regulation.

Another study found that under elevated cortisol, that is, during periods of stress or hormonal arousal, the brain becomes better at “updating” tasks, but worse at switching between them. Which makes your early-morning scroll, switching from a meme to an email to a news story to a calorie-counting reel, the equivalent of trying to play five chess games with one pawn. No wonder you feel frazzled by 9am. You’re working against your own chemistry.

What a slow morning routine does for your cortisol

This isn’t about waking up at 5am, sipping ghee or writing in cursive. A slow morning routine is simply a way to pace your sensory input while your body transitions from sleep to wakefulness. The goal is to delay overstimulation.

Even small shifts in your first hour, like stepping outside, delaying caffeine or choosing a single task, can reduce nervous system load and improve emotional regulation. You’re giving your brain time to calibrate before it has to react.

What to do in the morning instead

Research has shown that your first waking hour plays an outsized role in shaping your energy, focus and stress responses. These are simple, physiological ways to start your day differently:

If anything, a saviour complex could make the situation you’re trying to improve worse. According to Gutiérrez, constantly forgiving or making excuses for someone’s inconsiderate (or downright shitty) habits—even if it stems from pain—sends subtle messages like, You don’t need to take responsibility, because I’ll handle it for you. Or, I’ll always be here, no matter how you treat me.

“Eventually, this can create a codependent dynamic where you’re enabling another person’s bad behaviour and falsely believing you can control them,” Dr. Gooden says. Take a pal who struggles to keep a stable job, for instance: If you’re always offering money or sending available listings, it makes sense they might rely on you instead of shouldering the hard, inner work themselves.

That’s all without getting into how being a “fixer” can hurt your well-being, too, Dr. Gooden says. Over time, you’ll probably be exhausted and frustrated, especially when you’re giving advice that’s clearly being ignored or putting in lots of effort yet…still being treated like crap. “All that emotional investment can lead to frustration and even resentment,” she adds. That’s definitely not the kind of healthy, balanced relationship you deserve.

How to let go of the need to “save” people

It’s easy to think that understanding where someone’s hurtful actions come from means you have to accept them. Sure, my partner snaps all the time, but that’s not their fault since they grew up in that environment. Yeah, my childhood bestie constantly puts me down, but that’s only because they’re insecure—I should reassure them.

Instead of banking on the hope that this person will someday, maybe, eventually become “better” with your support, it’s more worthwhile to shift the focus back to yourself. What do you need to feel respected and valued in this relationship? You can also reflect on why this instinct is overpowering you (and a solid therapist can guide you to that answer): Maybe you’re focusing on your partner’s past to avoid addressing your own. Or you’re chasing the sweet validation that comes with doing the impossible and miraculously unlocking a struggling person’s full potential.

From there, you can decide how to draw limits, adjust your expectations or even step away if necessary. “You get to choose what kinds of behaviours you will and won’t tolerate,” Dr. Gooden says. “And setting boundaries can be an important way to communicate that.”