Posts in category: Life Style

The question of “girl code” as it pertains to exes is a complicated one. Strict constructionists may argue that it’s never, ever okay to date your friend’s ex—see: the current micro-controversy swirling around Zoë Kravitz, who recently stepped out in Rome with her bestie Taylor Swift’s long-ago ex, Harry Styles—but it’s worth mentioning that a lot of those people are also straight. (I’m not trying to propagate the queers-all-date-each-other’s-exes stereotype, but…there’s some truth to it! Remember Reneé Rapp telling Gabby Windey that her entire lesbian friend group is made up of people she’s dated?) I genuinely believe that if you told any 50-year-old dyke about the Kravitz/Swift/Styles non-love triangle, she would simply laugh and introduce you to three of her emotional support ex-girlfriends she’s been sharing a Craftsman bungalow with since 1977.

Nevertheless, I definitely understand the knee-jerk assumption that anyone who dates a friend’s ex—even if, as in Swift and Styles’s case, the relationship lasted less than a full year and took place a full decade ago—is treading in dangerous waters. But as someone who’s navigated this issue in several different friend groups, I have to posit this: If your friendships are really more important to you than your romantic relationships, then you have to move like they are. That could mean, yes, swiping past your bestie’s ex-boyfriend’s profile when it comes up on Hinge, but it could also mean…forgiving your friend if they do find a connection, whether a brief spark or genuine vibe, with someone you’ve dated.

Would I be thrilled if one of my best friends sought out or actually dated someone I’d shared a significant relationship with in the past, myself? To be entirely honest, no. But part of maturing emotionally is honing your ability to sit with discomfort, and letting your real intentions—rather than your pissed-off, jealous lizard brain—guide your actions. After all, unless your breakup was very recent or particularly painful in some way (or your friend has a habit of going for people you’ve dated, which is a whole separate issue), it might actually be healing to mentally toss some of your exes into the “community property” pile, especially if you’ve moved on and found new love—as Swift has.

Yes, that idea is perfectly timed. Yeah, Taurus, you have got what it takes, and no, there is no need to keep waiting on perfection anymore. You may have many options right before your eyes, and the decision may feel tough and challenging, perhaps even slow-moving; however, when you are losing hope, find your courage and strength. Where you are beginning to resign, replace it with resolve and determination. Where you feel unsupported, ask the cosmos for help. You got this, and with the eclipse portal already open, you simply need to skim through onto the other side.

Cosmic tip: Segregate the opportunities from wishful thinking to get rolling in the deep.

Safeguard what is yours, Gemini—stand up for that relationship, that love, that passion or anything else that you have been rationalising for way too long. You are not a robot and hence, you are not meant to live purely through the mind. You are a pulsating, thriving human being here to have the most magical ride of your life—so what if sometimes it feels like the roller coaster is about to drop from scary heights. You know it will go down and over to the top back again until you reach home safe but having had the most insanely magical ride of your life.

Cosmic tip: Practice self-care but don’t let it become self-preservation.

Whoa, you may as well be feeling like a unicorn oozing rainbow glitter all around you, Cancer. Community, kinship, stability, long-term foundations and simply you feeling like you are stepping into a new timeline or parallel reality altogether is your current vibe. And no, don’t pinch yourself just yet. Just remember that to slip through doorways, you cannot carry elephant-sized baggage and expect to pass through. So embrace this transition and, as challenging as it feels, surrender to this shift by loosening your grip over what you have already built and what you know within you; you are welcoming.

Cosmic tip: Are you trapped or are you just new to this probable level of freedom?

Leaving behind the role of being a peacemaker, Leo? Well, sweat it not. Because you, my friend, are now able to see the underlying order beneath the surface, even though many others are yet to discover it. Your ideas are flying through the roof, breakthroughs may be streaming in and hello, your vibe just seems like it is soaring to new heights. Now, as ironic as it may feel, ground that energy, become aware of all the ways in which you can make things work while also not letting your dreams lose that lustre. Okay?

From the folks behind Saltt in Karjat, Uppu, which roughly translates to ‘salt’ in certain Southern Indian languages, is a charming restaurant serving casual, homestyle Southern fare in a quaint setting. You’re not going to find the much-trending benne dosa here; instead, look out for comforting dishes that will take you from breakfast to dinner, with plates like Mysore masala dosa, idlis, coconut-laced gravies, pineapple curry, tamarind rice and curd rice, accompanied by an assortment of chutneys and steaming bowls of sambar. Wash this down with cups of filter coffee or even Pallonji’s soda for a touch of nostalgia.

Address: Shop no. 2, ONGC Quarters, Ankleshwar Towers, Near Lilavati Hospital, HIG Colony, Nityanand Nagar, Reclamation, Bandra West. Tel: 08655903327

Noa by The Nutcracker

Aditi Rao Hydari proves anarkali has always been more than a garment. First named after the courtesan whose story passed into legend, it became the uniform of the Mughal courts, worn where poetry was recited in candlelit halls and kathak was performed on marble floors. Over time it moved across regions, adapted to new fabrics and embroideries, yet kept the same sense of flow and line. Few embody that legacy today as instinctively as Aditi Rao Hydari, who seems to step into history every time she wears one.

Instagram.com/toraniofficial

For Torani’s Dil Rang Zareen, part of the label’s ‘Juloos’ collection, she wore a slub silk Anarkali constructed from floral panels in vivid pinks, mustard yellows and greens. A churidaar grounded the look, while a navy organza dupatta layered on top like night falling across a garden in bloom. The effect was both painterly and precise.

Sanam Ratansi’s styling struck the right balance. Gold chandbalis blended the classic crescent shape with cascading tiers of kundan, meenakari and pearl detailing. These statement earrings framed her face; dramatic and steeped in Mughal-inspired artistry, needing little else beyond a single solitaire-style ring set with a large round stone that immediately caught the eye.

The beauty look was soft but deliberate: kohl-smudged eyes, brushed-up brows, and a petal-pink lip balanced against luminous skin. Hair worn in loose waves kept the finish neat, letting the Anarkali’s sweep do the work.

Logomania is out and lazy luxury is in (yes, we’ve moved a step beyond quiet luxury). Less is more not just in our closets but on our skin too. The 10-step—or for some a 22-step (oh my)—skincare routine, which resulted in reactive instead of glazed skin, is out. It’s like curating a capsule wardrobe, but with beauty essentials.

What was once deemed as an act of self-love—rewarding ourselves with a soothing, restorative ritual after a long day or masking while reading our favourite book in bed—has now turned into an exercise in exhaustion. Who’s waiting till they enter their 30s to use retinol anymore? Tweens on Instagram are all about their anti-ageing skincare routines. Women in their 70s and beyond are getting makeovers. Needless to say, in 2025, we’ve hit peak product fatigue. We’re going from extensive everyday skincare routines and shelfies to the rise of skinimalism. And while some might even argue that Indian beauty practices always banked on conscious simplicity, it seems we’re once again embracing a cultural reset. Welcome to the era of beauty burnout, where the relentless pursuit of perfection has left women depleted in body, mind and bank account.

A movement that has resulted from this beauty burnout is mindful consumption. Think carefully condensed beauty rituals that allow us to pause this mental overstimulation. Something as simple as a cleanse-tone-moisturise routine signals the return of skinimalism. Dr Jaishree Sharad, a Medical Council of India–certified cosmetic dermatologist, shares that many dermatologists are reporting an increasing number of patients with compromised skin barriers, increased sensitivity and paradoxical worsening of skin conditions despite extensive routines. “More is not always better. People come with irritation, redness or breakouts, not because of neglect, but because they are overloading their skin.”

Being selective in our choice of beauty consumption is going beyond indulgence to intention. That rich-girl beauty flex is actually luxurious skincare that’s about innovation and focus, rather than the old definition of luxury as excess. Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, an aesthetic physician, skin expert and the founder of Isaac Luxe in Delhi, explains, “Combining ingredients that work in sync for amplified results is not just convenience bottled in fancy packaging. Using fewer products that can pull off double duty is a sustainable approach for our environment while actually putting in less effort.” Especially after the last five years, having transitioned out of COVID-19, we want lazy skincare now more than ever. Our offices allow us to stay cocooned in our comfort zone and attend Zoom meetings in pyjamas. Who wants to slap on a full face of foundation to get to work on three days of a hybrid week? We want minimal effort every single day of the week.

From Malaika Arora’s sheer black lace and Nargis Fakhri’s corset blouse to Genelia Deshmukh’s hand-painted silks and Deepika Padukone’s unexpected separates, this week’s best looks delivered on every front. Whether on international red carpets or closer to home, the silhouettes were bold, the fabrics rich and the styling confident.

At the LVMH Prize finale in Paris, Deepika Padukone wore a relaxed shirt and fringe-trimmed skirt from Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The print—bronze, ochre and black melting into each other—had a smoky, organic feel. The tasselled metallic skirt moved with every step, revealing a latticework gold base underneath. A structured LV bag, black stilettos and a soft updo kept the look polished. Crimson nails and gold studs added just enough shine.

In a brown lehenga by Aamra, Genelia Deshmukh opted for texture and handiwork. Zari stripes gave the set depth, but the focus was the silk dupatta in earthy tones, finished with sequins and pitta embroidery. The kalamkari artwork, themed Birds Outside Cages, is hand-painted by skilled artisans and framed with scalloped borders. Bijoux included a heavy choker, matching earrings, bangles and rings with fresh flowers adorning her hair that punctuated the look.

Think of what you’re doing as swapping stories, not running down a checklist. If you ask about cleaning habits, share your own (“I’m a vacuum-once-a-week kind of person — what about you?”). That back-and-forth keeps things from feeling one-sided and shows you’re as invested in making the space work as they are.

If you’re chatting before move-in, keep it casual but intentional. Suggest grabbing coffee, hopping on FaceTime, or even trading a few quick voice notes to run through the basics. Show you’re paying attention by following up on their answers (“You said you work nights — do you need total quiet during the day?”). Those small moments of connection set a friendly tone and help you both avoid unwelcome surprises later.

If you’re meeting for the first time on move-in day, lean on natural conversation openers while you unpack. Suggest ordering a pizza or taking a quick break to walk to a nearby café. Ask things in ways that invite stories instead of yes or no answers (“How do you usually spend a Sunday?” works better than “Do you like Sundays?”). That way, you can open the door to shared experiences and help the chat feel like genuine bonding — not just a rule-setting session.

Personalities, interests, and senses of humor all shape a roommate experience just as much as who showers when. Still, even the most compatible personalities can clash without clear ground rules! Use the practical roommate questions below to make sure you’re both happy with how your space functions. Then, layer on some “get to know you” questions that’ll help make living together not just functional, but fun.

Practical Questions to Ask a New Roommate

Knowing the right things to ask potential roommates does everyone a favor. Practical questions get all parties on the same page, so you can understand what each person needs from the space and prevent un-fun surprises later on.

Don’t have the opportunity to ask these questions before committing to living together? Try to get through them early into your first week as roommates.

1. What’s your usual weekday schedule?
2. How early/late do you typically go to bed? Are you a morning person or a night owl?
3. How often do you have guests over? How much notice should we aim to give each other?
4. What are thoughts on overnight guests, both the dating kind and friends crashing (after a night out, for instance)? What about out-of-town company?
5. How do you like to keep the shared space looking — super tidy or a little lived-in?
6. How do you most prefer to relax at home: socialising in shared spaces or being independent and doing your own thing?
7. How should we split cleaning tasks?
8. How often do you like to cook? Any food allergies?
9. Do you prefer to share certain items (like spices, condiments) or keep everything separate?
10. How should we handle apartment supplies (i.e. paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning products) — as shared purchases or taking turns?
11. What’s your stance on borrowing clothes or personal items?
12. How do you feel about music or TV volume in shared spaces?
13. What’s your preferred way to split utility bills?
14. Are you okay with scented candles, incense, or diffusers?
15. Do you smoke or vape?
16. How do you feel about pets? Any allergies?
17. How do you usually handle conflict when it comes up?
18. Are you more “text me” or “knock on my door” for communication?
19. How do you feel about decorating shared spaces — joint effort or “do your own thing”?
20. Are you okay with splitting subscriptions for things like streaming services?
21. Do you prefer to lock the door even when someone’s home?
22. How should we handle repairs or landlord communication — one point person or whoever notices first?
23. Any pet peeves or big non-negotiables I should know about?

Personal Questions to Ask Your Roommate to Get to Know Them

After you’ve tackled the practical stuff, you can move on to the fun part: finding out who your roommate actually is. These questions go beyond logistics to reveal personality, interests, and all the little details that make sharing a space feel more personal.

For the past two years, one of the most talked-about topics at Vogue Runway—and among fashion week designers and the industry at large—has been fashion’s big vibe shift. When we started talking about it, we couldn’t have guessed just how big of a shift we’d be getting. Reports of new designer appointments came every month of 2025, with the exception of April and August.

Now, the endless speculation is finally coming to an end: We will witness 15 designer debuts at the spring 2026 ready-to-wear shows.

Although many of the fashion week designers involved in this re-shuffle are familiar faces like Pierpaolo Piccioli and Demna, their stakes are as high, if not more so, than those of the designers stepping into the spotlight for the first time. For the first time in decades, the Christian Dior label will be under one creative director, meaning Jonathan Anderson will be working on at least 10 collections a year between menswear, womenswear, and couture. Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, long New York fashion’s golden boys, have left the city and the Proenza Schouler label they founded more than 20 years ago to take a gamble in Paris at Loewe. Perhaps no one is feeling more pressure than Matthieu Blazy, whose debut at Chanel will fittingly take place on the final day of shows.

The industry-wide shakeups are allowing new talent to rise, whether that’s relative unknowns like Nicholas Aburn at Area, and Miguel Castro Freitas at Mugler, or designers who have toiled as second-in-commands behind the scenes and now get to call the shots like Versace’s Dario Vitale and Carven’s Mark Thomas.

It’s a lot of names and places to remember, so we’ve put together a yearbook to commemorate what is sure to be a season that changes fashion. Meet the designers of the Class of Spring 2026.

Photo: Getty, Design by Vogue

Cosmic tip: Build your tribe to celebrate life.

Everything seems to be falling apart. Not quite, Sag. Even though it may seem like it, it is far from the truth. You may be picking and choosing from your orchard; however, take a second look, you have an orchard, and that is the first thing you must be willing to be grateful for. This crowning moment—the one where you feel like you are being squeezed through to enter this world—is your rebirth. This is the moment that sets you up for a grander stage in life. Don’t lose hope now.

Cosmic tip: Your loved ones are always backing you—even in spirit.

It may feel like fireworks are on, but these are celebratory ones, and you can almost dance to their rhythm and make merry with life. Capricorn, you have toiled hard to get to this point, and yo,u my de, ar are being blessed abundantly for keeping up with your consistency in looking for answers even when all else felt like it was doomed. This window of breathability and relaxed mind—this is the cosmos allowing you to look far out and honestly assess where you want to see yourself and what you wish to be doing. Shine, darling, shine, and keep up with the good work.

Cosmic tip: Whatever you are doing seems to be working.

You are in between stuff, yes, and my next question to you is— So what? When you started off on this path, you did not know where you would land, yet here you are precisely where you once wished you were, and things only get better from this point on. Not everything can move as fast as your mind and Aquarius. Do you realise that more often than not, you are ahead of the game? Now, with this in mind, remember that you are not lost. You may simply be waiting for the world to catch up faster. You only need to keep on with your heart’s work and purpose— everything will show up soon enough.

Cosmic tip: You try so hard to be vintage when you really are avant-garde.

You are the medium through which spirit flows; you are the medium through which your ideas become tangible forms. Pisces, what you can see, most often others cannot—because you see through the lens of your heart and your intuition, whereas a lot of others only perceive through logic. Be it within relationships, work or anything else, let your heart be your guide, let your energy help you grow and allow yourself to take that step forward because you can see where it is leading you.

Cosmic tip: Solutions often spark off as intuitive ideas first.

The experts both stress: it’s not protein that’s the problem, it’s the way we’re eating it, pairing it and digesting it. Chawla dismantles each one with ease. Whey is from milk. Pea protein is from peas. If your paneer isn’t doing its job, it’s not a sign to ditch protein—it’s your gut asking for a reset. “Your gut and protein share a bro-code,” she says. “When they get along, they go a long way. When they don’t, it is when we get bloated, suffer with gas and constipation.”

Food-wise, the options are not as beige as you think. Adnani swears by chickpeas: “the little black dress of protein, chic enough for both chaat and hummus.” She layers in rajma, paneer, yoghurt, tofu, quinoa, nuts, seeds and even a well-sourced plant-based or whey powder when you think you don’t have the time to do it all. Chawla swears by organic eggs, chicken, fish and plant-based sources like pea or hemp protein, but she’s clear on one thing: no brownie points for milk tea and paneer.

Getting adequate protein is about rhythm over rush, letting your body get steady hits through the day. A latte in the morning, dal at dinner, protein woven through your day. “Even distribution, 20–30 grams per meal, maximises absorption for repair and glow,” says Adnani. Chawla suggests the same too: “Morning, mid-morning, pre- and post-workout, in mains, even with collagen.”

And if you’ve ever wondered why your serums don’t seem to be working according to the promises stamped on their bottles, Adnani has a blunt reminder: without protein, even the most high-tech skincare has nothing to hold on to. “Protein is the canvas, skincare is the paint. Without the canvas, the art won’t stick.”

The truth is, protein won’t ever feel as glamorous as a fancy-led ingredient cream or as instantly gratifying as evening chai. But answer the question of how much protein do women need with care, give it space on your plate and in your day, and it pays you back; in steadier energy, stronger bones, better moods, and skin and hair that look like they’re looked after from within, no matter your age.

Also read:

Why protein powder lost its place in my routine

Is chocolate milk the perfect protein after all?

Protein had a glow-up and women are eating the pressure