Posts in category: Life Style

Hosting Navratri festivities at her Mumbai home, Nita Ambani turned to Jade by Monica and Karishma for a lehenga that carried the theme of Navrang into fabric. Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, the ensemble pieced together nine colours into one celebratory whole.

The lehenga unfolded as a patchwork of Banarasi brocades, each panel alive with zari, resham and sequin work. Emerald, scarlet, violet, fuchsia, ivory and gold were stitched into place with gota patti and zardozi borders, their shimmer echoing the temple textiles that inspired them. The choli, cut with elbow-length sleeves, mirrored the embroidery of the lehenga, holding ornament and proportion in balance.

Over it, a fuchsia leheriya dupatta cut through the weight of brocade with diagonal stripes. Its tasselled border and antique-finish embroidery linked the piece to India’s dyeing traditions, tying the couture polish back to craft at source. Draped over one shoulder, it tempered with the multiplicity of colours.

Jewellery dialled up the maximalism: a tiered emerald and uncut diamond necklace, oversized earrings, stacked bangles and a maang tikka framing her face. Makeup kept to definition rather than drama—kohl-lined eyes, peach lips and a red bindi—while hair was gathered into a neat bun wound with mogra.

A checked skirt with boots was a very common combination at London Fashion Week this season—spotted both in collections and on the street. From Chopova Lowena’s signature rock-and-roll style to preppy Mithridate midis and knitted Kent & Curwen maxis, the skirts-and-boots combo stood out.

Off the runway, the tartan effect was everywhere. The checked skirt is a versatile nod to uniform dressing that will take you from unseasonably warm days right through to the festive season. Below, a handy cheat sheet for styling yours.

Knitted Co-ords

Acielle StyleDuMonde

Ladylike co-ords with just the right amount of slouch, this matchy-matchy look mixes preppiness and polish – with a classic laid-back London edge.

A classic kilt

Vincenzo Grillo

Cosmic tip: When you know you are not in it for the short term, might as well pick something that feels buoyant and alive for you.

Find that inner strength to walk away from your past, if not walk away, at least outgrow it or make peace with it. Sag, your time to run your race has arrived, and the gates are going to open any moment. Now you must remember to keep the finish line in mind and pace yourself strategically so that you not only make your way to it, but also do it sustainably and consistently.

Cosmic tip: Following your passion is what leads you to your happy, successful place. And planning your strategy allows you to get there without burnout.

You have your choices, you have your options, and you have them all laid out in front of you—and Capricorn, you also have love, support and your raison d’être as your guiding light and life force helping you hold your ground and keep you firmly on your path. The world is your oyster, Capricorn, and yes, you are going through some major transitions; you are also walking away from a lot of dense, stagnant energy towards relief, healing and sunshine.

Cosmic tip: You are heralding a significant new phase in your life.

Sleepless nights, worn-out mental space, and perhaps even a worry about your financial future may be keeping you up at night. However, Aquarius, look back and notice how one step at a time got you to where you presently are. Sure, you may have had slightly different goals in the past that you may not have achieved fully yet, but that should not stop you from observing where you have reached and how wonderfully you have done that. So breathe. Ask the cosmos to intervene and rise.

Cosmic tip: Cut through confusion and speak your truth.

If you’ve been in your logical, action energy for too long, Pisces—stop. You may not really be wading through a tough time; you may just be feeling worn out and burnt out. This is your cosmic reminder to pause, breathe and take a step back from the insanity and structure you may have been trying hard to fit in. Say no to what you really feel like you cannot manage, and say yes to what you feel won’t keep depleting you, but may feel like a fair trade of your energy, time and effort. There is nothing wrong with wanting balance—but remember, neither extreme is going to do any good.

Cosmic tip: Step away from conflict, but also honour your boundaries.

As we become more aware of the ways in which blood sugar impacts our health, many of us continue to make improvements to our eating habits. However, maintaining balanced glucose levels isn’t about diet alone—in fact, studies show that certain daily habits can also have an adverse effect.

Here, a look at eight factors to keep in mind when trying to keep blood sugar levels in check.

Lack of sleep

After a night of drinking, it’s not just your head that feels heavy, your metabolism is also out of sync. According to research, even just one night of too little sleep can significantly reduce insulin sensitivity and drive up blood sugar levels, even in healthy people. The reason? When the body is tired, it processes sugar more slowly and less efficiently.

Dehydration

We all know drinking enough water is a linchpin of health. Lack of sufficient hydration causes more than headaches and fatigue; it also causes the concentration of dissolved substances in the blood to increase, including glucose. Studies show that dehydration can raise blood sugar levels not only through this concentration effect, but also through hormonal reactions, such as the increased release of vasopressin and cortisol. Those who drink too little water on a frequent basis have a higher risk of hyperglycemia, also known as chronically high blood sugar.

Sitting for long periods

It has long been known that the human body is not made for sitting hours on end. But long periods of sitting are not just harmful for muscles but also hard on the metabolism, disrupting the regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure and fat burning. Scientific studies show that people who sit for eight hours or more a day have a significantly higher risk of diabetes, even with regular exercise.

Luckily, short bursts of exercise throughout the day can counteract the effect; two minutes of light walking every 20 minutes has been shown to noticeably reduce the rise in blood sugar and insulin after eating.

Excess caffeine

Very few people want to give up their morning coffee, but studies show that too much caffeine can lower insulin sensitivity in the short term, causing the body to process sugar more slowly. Worse, a coffee break is often combined with a sweet snack—doughnuts, croissants, biscuits—making the rise in blood sugar even worse. This does not mean that you need to quit lattes altogether—the effect can be mitigated when coffee is enjoyed after a meal or with foods that contain fibre and protein.

Stress

It’s no secret that experiencing stress causes cortisol and adrenaline to rise. What’s less widely known is that these hormones increase blood sugar levels in order to provide energy for “fight or flight.” Even an argument, an exam, or an important presentation can drive the level up in the short term. That’s why it’s important to take short breaks for exercise or conscious breathing, both of which have been shown to reduce stress levels quickly.

Light in the evening

For most of us, winding down in the evening is almost impossible; we’re watching TV or looking at our phones until we hit the sheets. But late-night screen addiction is bad for glucose. Artificial lighting in the evening has been shown to increase insulin levels as it disrupts the circadian rhythm, which is closely linked to sugar metabolism. Even dim lighting during sleep has a measurable effect on blood sugar, so if you want to counteract the effect, it’s best to avoid screens completely in the last hour before going to bed.

Skipping breakfast

Intermittent fasting may be popular, but some research shows that those who skip breakfast often experience a higher blood sugar peak at lunchtime. After the night, the body expects energy in the morning; when it doesn’t get it, it reacts with a greater rise in glucose at the next meal. If you are sensitive to this, you can mitigate the effect by starting the day with a small, balanced meal or planning your fast on days when the first meal is rather light.

Nicotine

Cigarettes not only damage the heart and lungs; they also have an adverse effect on blood sugar. Nicotine can increase sugar levels and has been shown to worsen insulin action in people with type 2 diabetes. In the long term, large cohort studies show that heavy smokers have up to 36% higher risk of developing diabetes. Reducing consumption quickly lowers the risk, while quitting completely naturally improves blood sugar and metabolic health the most.

This article first appeared on Vogue.de

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At Vogue India’s Forces of Fashion in association with Rabanne, Neena Gupta wore a black gown designed by her daughter, Masaba Gupta.

The strap-slimmed silhouette was simple at first glance, but the vertical zari embroidery—lifted from temple jewellery motifs—gave it weight. The placement pulled the eye down the length of the dress, merging Indian craft with an eveningwear outline.

Around her neck, a sheer georgette dupatta was draped snugly. Statement jewellery elevated the ensemble: an emerald-and-gold choker set, coordinating drop earrings, stacked rings and sculptural bangles.

Photographed by Shubham Mandhyan

Hair was pulled back into a sleek high bun with a centre part, framing the face and letting the jewels and neckline shine. The makeup was luminous and unfussy, glowing skin, softly kohled eyes and a barely-there nude lip.

The look distilled Masaba’s language at its best: Indian motifs reimagined for a global stage, worn with the ease of someone who knows the difference between dressing up and making an entrance.

From Vogue’s Fashion Desk:

“If you’re taking notes from Neena Gupta’s effortlessly sublime Masaba moment—a sleek black gown punctuated with bold embroidery and styled with a dupatta (or, as the insta crowd calls it, a Scandi scarf)—know this: it’s a classic move. You simply can’t go wrong. To make it your own, treat your most striking dupatta like your statement necklace. Drape it long and narrow, or knot it snugly at the neck over a floor-length turtleneck bandage dress or a slinky slip dress. The dupatta has to be of a softer fabric like a georgette or chiffon to achieve this fall without getting clunky. Let your hands do the talking—sculptural haathphools, stacked rings or offbeat finger rings. Finish with a sleek high bun.” says Vogue India Associate Fashion Editor Divya Balakrishnan.

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Vogue India’s Forces of Fashion in association with Rabanne opened with a dual purpose: to admire fashion and to honour the hands that shape it. Over five days at Nilaya Anthology in Lower Parel, Mumbai, more than 35 designers explored Architecture in Fashion, transforming structural inspiration into large-scale installations. The showcase culminated last evening with a green-carpet gala at JW Marriott Juhu, where designers, industry leaders and cultural change-makers gathered for a night of conversation and celebration.

Sushmita Sen, Neena Gupta, Sharvari, Ibrahim Ali Khan and Vijay Varma were among those in attendance, joined by designers like Anita Dongre, Shantnu & Nikhil, JJ Valaya and Suneet Varma. Guests started the evening by raising a toast, courtesy of Grey Goose Vive Le Voyage at Arpita Mehta’s designer bar, a space that set the mood.

Host Shibani Akhtar set the tone for the evening that unfolded in three parts. The first round of awards honoured names from film, art and cultures whose sartorial choices left a lasting impact.

The spotlight then shifted to the panel discussion led by Vogue India’s Head of Editorial Content, Rochelle Pinto. In a dress by Chanakya School of Craft in collaboration with Karishma Swali, paired with jewellery from Outhouse, Meenu Subbiah, Moi and Aprajita Toor heels, she was joined on stage by Mehr Jesia—one of India’s earliest and most iconic supermodels—and stylist and creative consultant, Ekta Rajani.

The panel was a conversation about the power of community in an industry often defined by individuality. “I’ve been born to be a woman’s woman,” Jesia reflected, crediting the women in her family and the friendships she forged in her modelling years as the “wind beneath her wings”. Rajani recalled a defining early moment as an assistant stylist on Fashion: “I messed up big time… but Rita Dodi showed me grace and dignity. It shaped how I work with people today. Paying it forward, for me, is teaching, connecting and also learning back; it’s a two-way street.”

The night’s honourees reflected the many ways Indian fashion is being written today. Sushmita Sen reminded us that influence can be both iconic and enduring; Neena Gupta proved that reinvention is ageless; Sharvari and Ibrahim Ali Khan brought the energy of a generation stepping into its own spotlight, while voices like Kusha Kapila showed how storytelling can move seamlessly across mediums. Alongside them, Kartik Research, Bloni and Rkive City carried forward the conversation of craft, couture and circularity, joined by image-makers and innovators such as Aastha Manchanda, Samar Rajput, Nejm and Subiksha Shivkumar. The Chanakya School of Craft, awarded for impact, tied these strands together with its reminder that fashion is also community.

To cap the night off, all attendees and awardees raised a toast and left with a curated selection of Moroccanoil goodies.

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What the fashion industry wore at Vogue India’s Forces of Fashion 2024What the fashion industry wore at Vogue India’s Forces of Fashion 2024

Gucci didn’t stage a runway this season. Instead, Demna’s debut unfolded at a theatre in Milan, where The Tiger—a Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn film—became the set and the audience the cast. Alia Bhatt, a global ambassador for the house, was part of that line-up.

Her outfit was layered in house history and drama. The Milanesa coat from the Famiglia collection, cut in long, shaggy fur, swallowed her frame before narrowing at the waist with a chain belt tipped with the GG charm. Beneath it was a flash of a gold lace slip dress, with stylist Priyanka Badani building the look with GG-logo tights, black pumps, a Bamboo 1947 bag and monogram earrings; archival notes pulled into a contemporary register.

Getty Images

The beauty look was sharp. Centre-parted hair pressed poker-straight, a lid smoked in burnished shadow, and lips pared down to a near-neutral. The effect: eyes that cut through the texture, features defined enough to hold against the coat’s bulk.

Getty Images

After fifty couture collections at Balenciaga, Demna started his Gucci chapter by turning clothes into characters. And in Milan, Alia Bhatt carried one of its most dramatic roles.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Skip the logo tights and go bare-legged or with sheer black stockings to lighten the heaviness. The tonal handbag feels daytime; trade it in for the white Gucci Bamboo Diva to bring in a sharp contrast. Finally, swap the pointed pumps for strappy heels to break up the weight of the fur and balance the proportions and to make the look even more evening-appropriate,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.

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A strong friendship is usually treasured for its big, memorable moments: the dinners that stretch late, phone calls that last hours or weekend trips meticulously planned months in advance. But these days, with unpredictable schedules and packed calendars, those experiences don’t happen as often as we’d like—which makes smaller, effortless hangouts all the more meaningful. Enter: the “errand friend.”

The term, which has been trending on TikTok, describes a special type of companion who you can tackle mundane items on your to-do list with—think folding laundry, hitting up to go grocery-shopping, schlepping to the post office—while genuinely enjoying their company. The appeal is obvious: It’s low-pressure, sustainable and way less expensive and time-consuming than a night out. And while that simplicity might make these relationships seem less significant or worthy on the surface, the truth is the opposite: an errand friend can provide a type of connection that’s incredibly powerful. Here’s how.

What are the benefits of an errand friend?

They remove pressure, so time together feels easy instead of stressful

It’s rarely the case that you don’t want to see your friends—but carving out hours for a big, scheduled activity or reservation can sometimes feel more like an obligation than leisure.

New York–based psychologist Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, points out that “quality time doesn’t have to involve an hours-long special event or Instagram-worthy aesthetic.” “In truth,” she says, “a shared errand is a valid form of connection”—something we often overlook in a culture that prioritises performative, status-signalling gestures meant to showcase your “closeness” online (like exciting vacations and fancy brunches).

The great thing about having an errand friend, however, is “they don’t require you to give a significant amount of energy, time or money.” Instead, your bond thrives on meetups that are low-stakes and nonetheless genuine: a quick run to the store, a walk to drop off packages (and grab coffee together along the way), a drop-in at the tailor.

They naturally build in accountability and consistency

Lower-stakes hangs, like a weekly FaceTime or routine Sunday walk, sound nice in theory. In practice, though, it’s way too easy to cancel when work deadlines add up or plain old exhaustion sets in.

So errand friendships enforce consistency by weaving quality time into the things you already have to do, like meal prepping, grocery hauls or return drop-offs. Think about it: You’re way more likely to follow through on a must-do chore than a reservation or coffee date that’s technically optional. Put simply, “You’re taking out two birds with one stone,” Dr. Romanoff says—being productive while also swapping updates about whatever’s going on in each other’s worlds.

They deepen intimacy in unexpected ways

Sure, you can enjoy pretty much anyone’s company at a picturesque rooftop bar or during a scenic weekend getaway. But it takes a certain kind of friend to make the mundane and monotonous (picking up a prescription, stopping by the bank) actually enjoyable.

Cosmic tip: Strike that balance between tradition and personal growth.

Stress, confusion and mental bondage—Virgo, you are going through some major plot twists in your life and sure, it doesn’t feel easy. It never does, sweetie. But as they say, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. So here’s another perspective—the Dalai Lama’s—when you can change something, why worry, and when you know you cannot change something, why worry. The core theme is to embrace whatever it is that you are going through as a fact or a foundation upon which you need to either rebuild or reassess your life. Your fears are valid, but don’t let them bind you down.

Cosmic tip: Look forward to new beginnings and ensure you lay stable foundations at this time.

Dead. Yes, that may feel like your current vibe; however, Libra, is it leading you to a stage of surrender or of mindful choices? You may have a lot that you want to deal with or refine—but ask yourself, can you really do all of it, or would you rather pick and choose? Life can be a beautiful symphony—and the lows are as essential as the highs, but also, your ability to hold a note enhances your skill and quality. Your happily ever after is on its way to you. Keep holding your ground.

Cosmic tip: Bring your magic to life.

The world is waiting—get on your bike and put on that show! Scorpio—yes, a lot is happening for you, and it may feel overwhelming at first; however, set up your systems and get a steady pace going. You are not here to run a tiny race—you are here to build an empire, and that cannot happen in a day. But the good news is—it can and will happen for you one way or the other. So why not enjoy the ride while you get there?

Cosmic tip: Drop your swords, and leave the need to be right. Instead, choose to look from a higher plane.

It is the time to slow down and take it easy, Sag. Your vibe, your thoughts and your approach to life need to ease off a little. The cosmos is not saying no—it is simply saying not yet. Either things need to be refined, or you have been overthinking and overworking, so you are burnt out. Either way—this is your mid-week check-in to withdraw and ease into yourself. Hover over your life and its task sheet a bit and allow information to pop up in its own time and way.

Divine protection is yours. Aquarius, now as you look ahead in time, you are not only going to need your forward-thinking abilities but also your intuitive senses that help you get creative and smell the times that lie ahead. Cosmic wisdom flows into your life and your energy field in instant flashes, and what it will need from you is your ability to hold your ground and say no when you really feel like it is a no. Boundaries are going to be extremely crucial in the coming times, and while they may feel conflicting and confusing at first, take your time to wade your way through these waters to rise above conflict.

Cosmic tip: Choosing mental peace is more important than being right.

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Aries September 24, 2025

Taurus September 24, 2025

Gemini September 24, 2025

Cancer September 24, 2025

Leo September 24, 2025

Virgo September 24, 2025

Libra September 24, 2025

Scorpio September 24, 2025

Sagittarius September 24, 2025

Capricorn September 24, 2025

Pisces September 24, 2025