Posts in category: Life Style

Cosmic tip: Overcome obstacles by maintaining your focus.

What do you wish to focus on? Sag, ask yourself what truly matters? What will add value, and what do you really want to sustain in your life in the long run? And then work your way back to your present moment. Now, in this moment, what fears are holding you back from walking towards your big goals? Fear of loss of connection, fear of walking alone, fear of everything feeling too much, fear of venturing out so far that you may not be able to return? Your angels remind you that whatever you may be fearing at this point in time can be worked around. Ask for help and support, share how you feel, and simply rise up to the occasion that requires you to be quietly brave. You will be pleasantly surprised at how you check everything off one thing at a time.

Cosmic tip: Things are looking up. Challenging times will be behind you.

Brilliant new inspirations need brilliant new action steps, and Capricorn, tell me you didn’t know this already? Something quick-footed enters your life and takes it by storm, pushing you to take rapid, decisive, and creative action. But darling, here is the thing, you are already living part of your wildest dreams, and you must continue to keep walking on this path. Embrace the changes that are unfolding for you with an open heart and mind. This may look like your rock bottom, but could it be that you are simply hitting refresh?

Cosmic tip: New opportunities will come knocking at your door, and they will need you to fuel your life with ingenuity and originality.

Take your time, Aquarius. Take your time to heal, take your time to assess, take your time to rebuild, simply take your time! Your life is more blessed than you think, Aquarius. If you really look at it, you are sitting on a gold mine, revelling in abundance and prosperity, perhaps even the knowledge that you are on your way to something big. And this magnitude of things will only feel more settled and expansive if you learn to strike that balance, in giving and receiving, in opening up to new avenues, in making long-term plans and backing them up with short, actionable steps. All you need and desire is within your realm of reach. You simply need to explore this new way opening up in front of you.

Cosmic tip: Make long-term optimistic plans.

Something moves, your perspective, a situation, an opportunity, or even people. And Pisces, this thing needs you to act quickly, but creatively. Take a moment to place your hands on your heart and take a couple of deep breaths. Then ask yourself, what is it that I really feel called to do right now? How do I feel called to move and be? You may receive an intuitive answer in a flash that not only leads you to a quick resolution but also fair means and a road that feels lighter, brighter, and more content. The solution might take you by surprise, but if it feels good in your bones, it probably is the best option for you.

Cosmic tip: Stand up for your beliefs and do what you know is right for you.

The most stubborn zodiac signs may seem easygoing at first, but don’t be fooled. Once they’ve made up their minds, not even a cosmic storm could change them. You might make the mistake of assuming that everyone has a chink in their armour for you to exploit, but make no mistake; the most stubborn zodiac signs will dig in their heels and watch the world bend around them instead. Forget what you’ve heard about compromise—they practically consider it an expletive. Read on to know if you fall among the most stubborn zodiac signs, and if yes, where you rank.

Capricorn

Steadfastness: check. Valour: check. Resilience: check in bold. This is one zodiac that will fight for you to the extent of perishing themselves. Capricorns exemplify supreme resilience, even if it spells doomsday. You simply do not know when to give up; not even when the universe is slapping you with signs. Learning when to walk away can save you from crying a million buckets in hindsight.

Leo

You might be willing to lose love to keep your pride but that might not be the smartest thing to do. Leos are too proud to ask for help, too proud to bend, too proud to admit that they need to learn to see beyond themselves. While your exuberance and confidence may take you to exciting new places, when it comes to matters of the heart and humility, reigning in your obstinacy might just be the most life-saving skill you master.

Cancer

Your need to nurture often overrides the intuitive abilities that help you perceive another’s needs and views as equally important. Cancer, you can see what others cannot, but you cannot always walk the toughest mile for those you love. Such is life, and this is also a form of love—opening your palm and setting your loved ones free, knowing fully well that they will come back home in one piece. Life is beautiful, even without you having to micromanage it.

Libra

You love getting sucked into conflict like it is your permanent address. Libra, you thrive on excelling at detangling complicated situations and relationships. But this drama too can feel addictive, and sometimes, you may find yourself craving this dopamine hit so much that you park yourselves in situations that you don’t really belong in. Sometimes, you must remember that you have to let go to let live and that peace can come at the cost of agreeing to disagree.

Gemini

When the universe asked, ‘Who wants to be in charge?’, every Gemini’s hand shot up like Hermione Granger. There’s no doubt that you are quick-witted, but this sometimes leads you to jump into situations that you may not really be interested in. Your logic and intellect are unmatched because your twin personality lets you split your brain into two ‘rationalising’ and ‘acting fast’ parts. However, you must remember that not everything deserves your attention and energy.

Aries

Things may seem exciting when they are fresh, but Aries, you know consistency can feel like boredom. The mundaneness of life is not for you and neither is anything that sounds even slightly critical of your viewpoint. Yes, you light up a room with your fire, but you can also be the fire that burns it all to the ground. Your inner conflict between taking off on a holiday and crafting an elaborate business plan all by yourself might be worth reviewing. Take off the blindfold—what’s yours is yours, but allowing others to help only refines your perspective.

Nimrat Kaur’s sari billowed, layered chiffon and organza catching the air in soft ruffles as she crossed the room. Ridhi Mehra’s chintz-inspired print lent the ivory base a centuries-old story, while a beadwork-trimmed blouse and sheer sleeves brought it firmly into the present.

The hand-embroidered raw-silk bodice was edged with ornate gold lace, its metallic thread kept minimal to let the florals lead. Full sheer georgette sleeves softened the structure, while the pre-draped folds of the sari traced ruffled edges along the hem. The pallu fell into a loose cascade at the back, and the lower half followed a mermaid-style drape that skimmed the hips before flaring past the knees. The interplay of sheer and opaque, structured and flowing, reflected the dichotomy of the look itself: a traditional outfit with a contemporary silhouette.

The ivory base carried delicate printed florals in the style of chintz, a printed cotton textile that emerged in India centuries ago, celebrated for its intricate botanical motifs on pale grounds. Handwoven and block-printed by artisans, chintz once travelled across continents, coveted in Europe for its vivid dyes and fine weave. Even trade bans and foreign imitations couldn’t blunt its allure; a testament not just to its beauty but to the lasting cultural pull of florals in Indian textile design.

Nimrat Kaur wore jewellery, from Shri Paramani Jewels, including emerald drop earrings set with graduating stones encircled by diamonds, and bold multi-stone rings worn across both hands. Hair was parted to the side in loose waves, with warm, tonal makeup—peach lids, cheeks and lips–for a soft, cohesive finish.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Belt it. A slender metallic cinch will pull those ruffles into line and give the waist its moment. Trade the emerald chandeliers for pearl studs and let the print set the pace,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.

Also read:

Janhvi Kapoor’s half sari comes with a pearl-laden back detail worth a closer look

Khushi Kapoor chose a striped beaded gown by Gaurav Gupta with a subtle fishtail flare

Sonali Bendre’s blouse with elaborate appliqué work took over 500 hours to create

As intense as erotic transference may sound, the reason it’s pretty common is simple: In sessions, “the client often feels heard, cared for and accepted,” Larkin explains. “So it’s easy to confuse those professional, relational feelings for romantic love.” But that doesn’t mean your connection is actually romantic—or even real in the way it may feel in the moment.

That’s because “you can’t truly be in love with someone you don’t know,” says Erin Runt, LMFT, a Chicago-based licensed therapist. “A patient might think they know their therapist or psychiatrist, but in any professional setting with the right boundaries, they don’t.” So often, what seems like infatuation is actually about what the therapist symbolises—things like comfort, approval and validation.

What therapists do when their patient catches feelings

Transference is so common that it’s something most therapists are trained to prepare for and handle. Rather than ignoring what can seem like an uncomfortable or inappropriate crush, Dr. Gold says the standard protocol is to address the tension directly. Otherwise, important boundaries can become even more blurred, making your mental health treatment less effective (or even more harmful) in the long run.

To navigate this dynamic, Runt says she’d typically start by explaining to the patient what transference is, reassuring that it’s natural and exploring what might be behind those feelings. (Are you craving attention from a parent? Feeling unheard in your love life?) From there, it might also require reinforcing firmer boundaries, Larkin adds—like prohibiting contact outside of sessions (unless in the case of emergencies) or rejecting physical gestures like hugs.

In taking these precautions, it’s possible the therapeutic relationship may rupture as a result, meaning some clients might decide to walk away. And in certain situations, psychiatrists could find it more appropriate to refer them to a new provider, especially in more ethically complex situations (such as when the patient is continuously pushing boundaries and trying to pursue a romantic relationship).

Given the intimacy and vulnerability involved in therapy, falling in love with your psychiatrist is not unnatural (with or without an 18-part TikTok exposé). Still, that doesn’t mean the connection is truly romantic—and any ethical, well-trained professional is equipped to keep those lines crystal clear.

This article first appeared on self.com

Bisabolol might not roll off the tongue, but it’s one of the few skincare ingredients worth learning to pronounce. A chamomile-derived ingredient popping up in make-up, skincare and scalp care, bisabolol has quietly climbed the trend charts. According to Google, global searches for its benefits are up 100 per cent over the last 12 months, with more and more of us looking into the clever ingredient.

What is bisabolol?

“It’s a soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredient derived from chamomile,” board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr Idriss Skincare, Dr Shereene Idriss explains. While bisabolol is not the same as chamomile, it is extracted from the chamomile plant as well as Candeia trees. In its raw state, bisabolol is colourless with an oily viscosity.

Is bisabolol anti-inflammatory?

Yes, but that’s not all. “Bisabolol has anti-inflammatory, soothing and antioxidant properties,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London. “When applied topically, it can calm irritation, reduce redness and enhance skin repair by supporting the healing process of minor wounds or inflamed areas.” Dr Mahto notes that this is what makes it such a star ingredient when formulating products suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types. “Chronic conditions characterised by inflammation and irritation, like rosacea and eczema, may find it particularly helpful as it can help soothe persistent redness and alleviate discomfort, all while promoting skin barrier repair.”

Is bisabolol good for acne-prone skin?

Because bisabolol is also an anti-microbial (meaning it curbs the proliferation of bacteria on the skin), it can be hugely beneficial for people with acne-prone skin. “It discourages bacterial overgrowth but reduces redness and calms inflamed skin,” says Dr Mahto.

One of the reasons that you rarely see it as a standalone ingredient (unlike hyaluronic or ascorbic acids) is that bisabolol works brilliantly in tandem with other actives. “In anti-acne products, combining bisabolol with things like salicylic acid (pore unclogging) or benzoyl peroxide (bacteria busting) can help to reduce the irritation often associated with these treatments,” she explains.

Are there any drawbacks to using bisabolol on the skin?

As with everything in skincare (and life), what works for some might not work for others. Bisabolol is no different, although the chances of an adverse reaction are admittedly rare. “Some individuals may experience sensitivity to bisabolol, particularly if derived from chamomile, which can cause reactions in those with ragweed allergies,” cautions Dr Mahto.

Is bisabolol good for the scalp?

One of the skincare world’s favourite adages is that the scalp is an extension of the face, in the same way that the neck and décolleté are, and bisabolol can be a powerful soothing ingredient to be used up top, too. “On the scalp, bisabolol can help alleviate itchiness, tightness and discomfort, making it good for sensitive but also dry scalps,” Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and Philip Kingsley brand president, details. “Because it’s an emollient (meaning it has soothing, moisturising properties), it helps to soften, smooth and hydrate the skin.”

This article first appeared on Vogue.co.uk

I always thought I’d won the sleep lottery. I slumber peacefully through the night and wake up with sunlight spilling through the lace curtains. That is, until a tea leaf reader peered into my cup and asked if I had trouble sleeping. Did I? Not exactly, but my nights were stretching far past the threshold of Cinderella’s witching hour, and the minutes before sleep were a restless churn of heavy dinners, pygmy hippo reels, meme exchanges and, of course, overthinking (did I lock the front door?).

Ariana Huffington once wrote in The Sleep Revolution that “sleep deprivation is glamorised and celebrated: ‘You snooze, you lose.’” She’s right. A recent survey found 59% of Indians get six hours or less of uninterrupted sleep, with only half catching up on some shut-eye weekends.

According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep deficiency is linked to many chronic health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity and depression. Sitting in my faded T-shirt and mismatched PJs, I decided I did not want raccoon eyes, and that, too, due to my own bad choices. I plunged into the world of good sleep juju, building a night routine for better sleep. This is what helped me find the sleep switch.

Setting the mood

Sleep hygiene began with the basics: no more holey T-shirts and mismatched pyjamas. If I were spending eight hours in them, they should feel good—soft cotton, minimal dye, easy on the skin. My bedside table went minimalist too, cleared of hairpins, skincare clutter, electronics and stray books, leaving only water and the occasional rose quartz to lull me to sleep. After a warm shower, I’d smooth a calming balm over my temples, massage in a sleep body milk, and rub magnesium oil into my feet an hour before bed, letting it sink in like a slow exhale.

Working the lymph nodes

My favourite ritual in my night routine for better sleep is a post-dinner lymphatic drainage sequence I picked up from drainage and detox specialist Dr Caitlin Czezowski. Her seven-step sequence starts and ends at the area behind the clavicle called the terminus, encouraging the lymphatic system to clear waste and prevent fluid build-up. I take ten minutes in front of the TV, adding a drop of oil to prevent chafing and finish with pechoti—a slosh of oil to the navel, followed by a nice belly rub while at it. It’s part self-care, part signal to my body that the day is done.

A phone curfew that stuck

Doomscrolling was my biggest thief of sleep. I set ‘downtime’ on my phone from midnight to 7am. The first few days were tough, as I sidled onto my tablet to scroll on Instagram, before switching that off too and instead turning to a book or just snuggling into bed. The payoff: lower stress, easier sleep and the reminder that rest doesn’t have to come with a screen.

Bridging the awkward in-between

Sometimes, sleep is still elusive while my body is bone-crushingly tired. I keep gentle reads within arm’s length—a Ruskin Bond memoir or an Emily Henry romance. If words don’t work, I switch to white noise or a sleep hypnosis track: birdsong, streams, wind in the trees. And once sleep comes, I fumble and turn it off, drifting straight into lala land.

Keep scrolling for five fresh ways to style a silk dress with trainers this summer.

Lace camisole + colour-block trainers

For a laid-back take on the silk dress, style a lace-trimmed camisole slip with colour-block trainers (when in doubt, go for red), white socks, and a jumper casually draped over your shoulders.

Mango – Lace Camisole Dress

Uniqlo – Soufflé Yarn Crew Neck Jumper

Uniqlo – Three-Pack Ribbed Socks

Adidas – Originals Handball Spezial Gum Sole Trainers

Chocolate slip dress + neutral trainers

For an autumnal update, start with a rich chocolate-hued satin slip dress (we love this Róhe maxi), and build around it with dark neutrals—think a nylon zip-up jacket, suede runners, and a deep brown handbag.

Róhe – Lace Silk Slip Dress

COS – Minimal Leather Trainers

Asymmetric dress + jeans + retro runners

At Copenhagen Fashion Week this August, the standout way to style a silk slip dress was layered over jeans—a look that works especially well with asymmetric or waterfall hemlines. To keep the outfit feeling cohesive, stick to a neutral palette and finish with a pair of suede sneakers in a similar tone. Dries Van Noten’s are the ultimate investment.

Zara – ZW Collection Asymmetric Lace Dress

COS – Turn-Up Straight-Leg Jeans

Dries Van Noten – Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

Port Tanger – Tortoiseshell Shield Sunglasses

Colourful midi + colour-block sneakers

This pairing may have roots in ’90s minimalism, but that doesn’t mean you need to shy away from colour. We love how this pink Rixo midi pops when styled with postbox-red sneakers. Keep the rest of the look pared back to let the bold colour contrast take centre stage.

Rixo – Lauriane Satin Midi-Dress

Dries Van Noten – Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

Mejuri – Pendant Necklace

Lié Studio – The Dora Bracelet

Silk column maxi + sneakerinas

For a more formal, evening-ready take, skip the chunky footwear and opt for a sneakerina—a sleek hybrid designed to resemble a slip-on ballet pump. Elevate the look further with refined accessories, like a structured top-handle bag and a classic pearl necklace.

Sir – Fresca Belted Silk Crepe De Chine Dress

KHAITE – Audrey Top Handle Bag

Vivaia – Round-Toe Satin Sneakerina

Jia Jia – Gold, Aquamarine And Pearl Necklace

This article first appeared on Vogue.mx

Also Read:

6 summer dress and shoe pairings that feel fresh for 2025

5 reasons why the T-shirt dress is your easiest style solution, every time

Linen and cotton dresses from 35 homegrown brands to add to your summer wardrobe

For a shoot promoting her upcoming film, Janhvi Kapoor embraced a modern take on the traditional South Indian half sari, wearing a luminous gold ensemble from Manish Malhotra World. The look featured a voluminous gold tissue lehenga, a skirt crafted from a fabric that’s feather-light yet densely woven with metallic threads, catching the light with every movement. The dupatta draped voni-style pays homage to the classic langa voni silhouette while infusing it with couture glamour.

Instagram.com/janhvikapoor

The half sari’s understated appearance is offset by a blouse that could play the part of a jeweller’s showpiece. Every inch is covered in pearls, crystals and sequins, embroidered by hand onto sheer tulle that makes the beadwork appear suspended midair. The shoulders are lightly structured for definition, while the back is cut away to reveal a frame of pearl-strung straps ending in small latkans that sway with each step. This degree of surface detailing often requires hundreds of hours in the atelier, with artisans working bead by bead to create a uniform yet dimensional finish. Cinching the drape at the waist is a narrow kamarband in matching gold, its slim metallic line giving the otherwise fluid silhouette a deliberate shape.

Kapoor’s jewellery includes a yellow-gold neckpiece set with diamonds and emeralds, extending the ‘molten’ palette while adding sharp green accents. The tiered choker is paired with temple-style jhumkas with granulated detailing and a single statement emerald ring that also introduces flecks of green for visual contrast.

You can see the truth of a situation, Leo, and sure it feels a little tough to scale;e, however, it is leading you onto a significant life event that feels like a Godsent epiphanic bolt of lightning that strikes you just when you need it, but when you least expect it. Draw on past skills and experiences, show up like a leader and dare to take the path less trodden. This time, your fortune changes when you decide to take a stance, not when you choose to let the winds drag you in different directions. Instead of romanticising the past, learn from it and take it a few notches higher.

Cosmic tip: Balance your mind, body and spirit to make informed choices.

Through the fog, you can see the path ahead, Virgo, and you know that while you may need to brave the storms, you will also emerge on the other side, brighter and lighter. It may be a good time to review your plans, really allowing things to unfold and open up at their own pace. You want to move in a new direction, you are looking to make sense of this all, you definitely are at the brink of new opportunities and partnerships, perhaps even realising who you are and what you’re made of. Now, you only need to move forward with your inner compass intact. Your intuition is speaking loud and clear—listen and act.

Cosmic tip: The timing may not be to move, but it encourages reflection and refinement.

A cycle has ended and a new one begins, Libra. While life may have felt like a struggle in the past, the narrative is shifting significantly now. How much longer will you continue to sit on the fence for fear of losing all you have? Not much can be done about things that have gone by, but once you decide to close a challenging situation in your life for good and ask yourself—How can I do that? Solutions begin to appear, and life begins to feel amazing once again.

Cosmic tip: Solutions appear when you stop pretending that there is no problem.

Often, the subtext behind this kind of teasing is a desire for attention or a way of expressing affection. In 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Patrick constantly teases and provokes Kat in order to find an opening in her hard exterior. Ruuh points out that He’s Just Not That Into You (2009) opens with a scene of a little girl crying after being teased by a boy. Her mother comforts her by saying he does it because he likes her. The film then goes on to challenge and deconstruct that very idea throughout its run time. The mother’s justification, however, mirrors a larger cultural social conditioning that equates juvenile teasing with romantic interest, reinforcing a dynamic where emotional immaturity in men is excused—even romanticised—as affection.

Bollywood has posited its own take on this dynamic time and again. Karan and Rhea meet as strangers in Hum Tum (2004) and constantly vex each other—often in childish or teasing ways—but over time, that friction becomes the foundation of their romantic connection. In Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), Shruti and Bittoo start off as reluctant business partners who constant bicker with and challenge each other until they eventually fall in love.

In many ways, the romanticisation of initial irritation and emotional misattunement stems from the enemies-to-lovers trope, which has always been an evergreen plot point in movies but has seen a robust resurgence thanks to #BookTok, fan fiction and smut. That’s not to say it won’t fall apart in real life, if you fail to read the cues. Ruuh suggests pausing to understand your intentions before an ill-timed lark: Am I teasing to connect or to avoid being vulnerable? What’s the real purpose? She encourages replacing deflection with clarity and naming your needs to build a solid emotional vocabulary instead.

Sometimes, I wonder if my grandfather knows how ridiculous he sounds when he says things just to annoy my grandmother. She rolls her eyes, scowls, even sulks sometimes, and he grins like he’s won the lottery. To be fair, there’s also something deeply intimate about being known so well that someone can push your buttons without even trying. It’s cute, once in a while. But when it becomes a pattern—when someone keeps doing it without communicating or reading the room—it stops being playful and becomes a trigger.