Stepping out in style this season

Don’t be a bore when it comes to stepping out in style this season. Shoe trends have come of age, ladies & gentlemen. Laces, buckles and straps, architectural to exotic , wild or feminine– name it and you can flaunt it.

The summery feel is in!

Stilettos will reign over ramps and on roads. The combination stiletto is an interesting arrival this season, with pencil heels at the back and hidden platform in the front part of the shoe. High heels look best when really high…adding elegance to the walk and style to the outfit. Also look out for the gladiator sandals that promise to be the coming rage. Heavily strapped and heeled, these sandals add to the smart and contemporary look. Platform sandals have been eternally popular, but now they come in two variations. Take your pick from those that have platforms through and through or the ones that have platforms in the front, with tapered or block heels.

Thand thanda, cool cool!

You can’t run away from boots, as they stride into fashion. Above the knee boots made of leather or suede look ravishing with slim fit pants, short skirts and dresses. Ankle length boots are set to be a preferred choice amongst youngsters…time for you to try them too!
Bright and colourful lace-up shoes with high heels will talk this winter! You’ll also witness the Mary Jane shoes doing a twist as they mix styles of ‘school girl shoes’ and ‘vamp shoes’. Buckles, heels, sharply pointed toes, vivid colours and leather finish will do a tango in these shoes.
Go bohemian in the chill with fringed boots. These ankle-length shoes with studs come in leather or suede, and go well with short dresses and tights. Stun the party crowd or wear it to college. In every circuit, it’s a winner.

Wild or flowery, bright or subdued…suit yourself!

The wild hunter look will be accentuated by boots in fake snakeskin and crocodile skin. Team it with wide leg pants and skirts. Become a ‘pretty woman’ with sandals in floral themes, in prints, appliqués and embellishments.
There will be a riot of colours on the feet! Blacks and browns will go backstage while hot hues of red, orange and yellow take charge. Pink and purple will a sure hit as well. How about two-toned and multiple-colour shoes? They are around for the bold and beautiful people to flaunt.
As you can see, the year will be a study in contrasts. Pencil heels share the arc lights with thick, chunky heels! Ah, need we say more?

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BEJEWELLED-FROM THEN TO NOW.

No part of the world has a continuous legacy of jewellery making as the Indian subcontinent. Ever since the times of Ramayana and Mahabharata, we have heard of finely attired Gods and Goddesses, kings and queens embellished in various forms of jewellery – a tradition that remains unbroken for the last 5000 years. By 1500 BC, the people of Indus Valley civilization were pioneering the crafting of gold earrings and necklaces, bead chokers and bangles. But even before metal began to be used, beads were very popular and bead jewellery was widely bought and sold in the Indus Valley. In the absence of technology and precision equipment, people used their skill and imagination to make beads. This traditional art form was mostly inherited from the family, and children learnt it from a very young age. The process began with the purchase of a rough stone which the bead maker acquired from an eastern stone trader. The stone would then be heated in an oven until it turned deep red. The red stone was a hot favorite with the people of the region, and needed to be chipped to the size required. After a hole was drilled through it, each bead was polished and often painted with designs. The beads were finally strung together to form a piece of jewellery, and found a place of honor in every female’s jewellery box!

Though men today are as enthusiastic about the occasional bracelet or ear stud as their female counterparts, things were different in the bygone era when jewellery was predominantly a woman’s domain. Women wore it all – clay or shell bracelets shaped like doughnuts and painted black, bangles made of metal, glass and ivory as well as thin bands of gold to be worn on the forehead, earrings, brooches, chokers and rings. Men wore beads too. One millimeter long bead strings were placed in men and women’s hair to add to their face value!

A tour of the National Museum in New Delhi, India will reveal a female skeleton wearing a carlinean bangle on her left hand…evidence of the age-old allure of jewellery for the Indian woman.

A woman’s best friend did not come from the West either! It was as early as 296 BC that India started mining for diamonds. Subsequently, the diamond trade picked up in right earnest. However, the growth of Christianity hit the trade and it almost vanished 1000 years after constant rejection. This was due to the fact that Christians associated diamonds with Hindu amulets. Then again, the Arabs from the Middle East were not very enthusiastic about diamonds. No wonder the wonder stone lost its sparkle for a period of time.

History is actually a passage from the past to the present, as the jewellery tradition of India will say! The designs of the Indus Valley spill over into our modern day wedding ceremonies, though the civilization itself has gone into the realm of archaeologists. Tradition is neatly juxtaposed with new materials, new styles and new accessories. In some belts of the North East, local inhabitants still prefer bone jewellery, though it has lost its place elsewhere.

Today there are centres for diamond polishing and gold filigree, kundan work and silver etching. Lakhs of people are engaged in various aspects of the jewellery industry, and millions of rupees are traded in the markets. Urban hubs have their share of opulent gold and diamond jewellery showrooms but are showing a leaning towards artificial jewellery.
This category is as attractive, more affordable, and highly innovative and come from premium labels. Clearly, in a jewel of a country, here is a gem of an idea!!

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GRANNY’S ‘CHEER UP’ TIPS!

No need to feel high and dry anymore. No need to suffer from rough and itchy skin every time the season changes. No need to feel miserable at the sight of rough shins, hands and face. Celebrate…Granny has some wonderful home-grown tips to pamper your skin this season.
Massage your face with a paste of 2-3 drops of rose water in 2 tbsp cream of milk. Keep it for 20 mins. before washing it off.

Egg yellow mixed with 3 tbsp of cream of milk is an effective face pack. Avoid the area under eyes, and wash it off your face with basin flour once it has dried.

Bananas have great food value, even for the skin. Mash a very ripe banana, massage on face for 5 minutes. Wait for 15 mins to allow the banana to work before washing it off.

Keeping a mixture of honey in milk cream applied to your face for an hour works well. Take care to wash off with warm water.

Milk is a natural moisturizer. Apply just one tbsp of milk daily on your face and neck before a bath to keep skin soft forever.

Add 10-12 drops of coconut oil in your bath water to add moisture and shine to your body.

A bedtime regimen should include applying cold cream to face and hands, and washing off after 15 mins.

Make a paste of fresh butter, besan and olive oil. Apply it to the face every morning and evening for at least a month. Wash off with warm water to witness the magic!

Dry skin has a natural antidote in avocado masks. Mash the flesh of avocado, add a touch of olive oil and apply on your face to feed your skin with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.

During winter, go in for a mask of buttermilk, yoghurt & sour cream. Apply on face and neck avoiding eye areas. Your body will feel smooth, soft and fresh.

Beet root juice can be massaged on to your face for 5 minutes. Shower it off with a mild soap.
An exotic mixture of sandalwood powder, rose water and 4-5 drops of milk can be applied to the face and body. Shower after 15 mins with warm water.

Warm honey and lemon juice make a good mask. Let it dry and wash off subsequently.

Avoid hot water baths. Long showers remove dead skin effectively.

Grated carrot paste or a paste of turmeric and milk cream keeps skin glowing and breathing.

Cracked heels can be healed with an application of liquid paraffin wax mixed with mustard oil. Apply every night for smooth heels.

Drink lots of water and use a humidifier in room to balance loss of moisture in the air.

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Steal the scene with trendy stoles

There’s something enchanting about wintry afternoons. As the soft rays of the sun warm your soul and a hot cup of coffee recharges your body, just drape a stole around the body to make the scene picture-perfect.

A decorative history
Indeed, the stole or shawl was a mere add-on to one’s wedding finery in the past. They also formed an integral part of the trousseau for winter weddings. People were familiar with only one kind of shawl – the expensive Pashmina from Kashmir. The traditional shawl has diversified since then, but the Jamevar continues to be popular. In fact, all of India used the Pashmina shawl, leading to its huge demand in the early 90s. Cashmere Pasham was imported from China and blended with silk to make the accessories.

But today, stoles are a style statement by themselves!
Any time stoles
Parties and formal functions simply can’t do without a stole. Even a romantic date or wedding preparations seem so much more complete with a stole draped around the shoulders. Stoles denote style, luxury, comfort and even versatility. They go well with western outfits and look great with trousers, skirts and suits. For the traditional saree wearer, the stole is the perfect complement.

There is good news for the future as well. Stole manufacturers are coming out with an all-weather range that will suit both formal and casual wear. Young people find stoles easy to carry; specially the jamevar ones are a treasure of joys. Instead of embroidery, shawls carry jamevar designs teamed with sequins, beads and crystals. Eminent designers are of the opinion that the dupatta will be replaced by traditional shawls and contemporary stoles while incorporating the wedding trousseau. So all those doubts can be laid to rest!

Wedded to stoles
What’s the best stole for your wedding day? Check out the worth of the fabric rather than the glitter. Take the shahtoosh – a shawl so fine that it could pass through a ring. But being woven with the down hair of the Tibetan antelope has caused it to be banned, and its place has been taken over by the Pashmina. Such cashmere shawls have been woven in Kashmir and Nepal for many years, and can be tested for their warmth and feel. The production is done in handloom, and brings forth hand-crafted magic! The jamevar is a blend of wool and sometimes cotton with the brocaded part woven in silk or pashmina.

For two decades, the jamevar shawl has withstood time and trends – right from the Mughal period to now. Unlike stoles and shawls, capes and ponchos have lost their steam. Once the favourite of young girls and ladies, they have been replaced by shawls for D day attires.
There’s more in the offing as innovations make their way in. Designers are putting together a few shawls to make spectacular jackets, dresses, gowns, sarees and even bags! The any-season-any-reason range can make the wearer stand out in a crowd. Long coats and kurtas made from shawls can become cherished heirlooms for young women entering a precious relationship, as their detailed work makes them gorgeous to receive.

So come out, one and all, with your collection of shawls. For sheer luxury, elegance and comfort, nothing comes close to a stole!

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IS YOUR SKIN ON THE RIGHT DIET?

Ask any woman, and she’ll tell you that choosing the right beauty product for her skin is amongst life’s most difficult decisions. How do you decide what works best for your skin type? Start by knowing your skin and knowing the product you’ve decided upon. Although it is largely acknowledged that there are five skin types, changes do take place from time to time depending upon weather, hormonal changes, environment, eating habits, stress, alcohol and smoking.

Dry skin needs constant moisturizing. Since lack of oil causes flaking or peeling, one should apply plenty of petroleum jelly, Vaseline, glycerin or other oil-based creams.
Aids: Herb oils; shea oils; crushed almonds; carrots; honey; linseed seed; calendula oil; milk; coconut and seaweed extract – all of which help the skin to retain moisture.

Oily skin is most vulnerable to spots and pimples because of its greasy surface. To keep the open pores from producing excess oil, it is preferable to opt for oil-free and alcohol-free products. Plenty of water helps like nothing else!
Aids: Kaolin clay; grape fruit; willow, horse tail, witch hazel; apple; neem oil – these natural products can go a long way in deep cleansing, calming and disinfecting the skin.

Sensitive skin needs careful handling, since there’s no knowing which cosmetic, soap, alcohol or fragrance it might react to. Even sun exposure and environmental factors can cause redness, blotchiness and itching. So do a patch test on your skin before using any product, it could help you find the right product.
Aids: Plum nectar; stone crop, rosehip; algae; wild oat extract; rosemary extract; and vitamin E work great on sensitive skin. Stay away from cosmetics that have perfumes, dyes or chemicals as ingredients.

Normal skin types are the truly blessed ones! Since the skin is neither greasy nor dry, all you need is normal cleaning, toning and moisturizing. And voila, you’ll be the glowworm at the party!
Aids: Although you have no reason to worry, your chosen cosmetic would do well to have some of these: chamomile; tomato; evening primrose oil; odourless garlic; cucumber and strawberries. They have rejuvenating properties and nourish the skin.

Combination skin combines a greasy forehead-nose-chin area with dry cheeks-mouth-neck area. That makes the skin regimen slightly complicated…the oily T zone has to be kept dry and vice versa.
Aids: Aloe vera; red rose petals; green tea; water cress; rosemary extract and hazel are rich in properties that can cleanse, soften and soothe the skin.

With soothing skin dress yourself up with latest Indian clothing, matching footwear, accessories, handbags and lots more.

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Tips on teeth and lip care

Hey, now you can improve over what God gifted you. All you need for a million-dollar smile is a visit to the dentist for some fantastic non-surgical and make-up tips…and then, go flash those pearly whites, Mona Lisa! But of course, in this era of science and cosmetic dentistry, putting things right costs money – so plan your course of action depending upon the extent of the flaw. Here’s what you could do to combat common problems relating to your smile –

Stained teeth: Looks terrible, doesn’t it? Dental bleaching could do the trick. Treatment varies depending upon whether the discoloration is external or internal. Fairly simple methods can help. Try scaling and polishing, dental bleaching to veneers and crowns or teeth whitening. You could also fight stains with whitening rinse daily or by chewing whitening gums after a glass of red wine or coffee. Works wonders, it does!

Chapped lips: Lips feel dry due to the effect of dry winter breeze or dehydration, so increased water intake is a must. Add lip pampering to your beauty regime with lip exfoliation, lip balm and moisture based lippers…it’s the easy way to smooth lips.

Crooked teeth: An otherwise beautiful face could be marred by crooked, chipped, cracked or overcrowded teeth. But don’t despair. While small cracks can be treated with cosmetic recountering, dentists often resort to root canal treatment and orthodontic treatment to correct large cracks. The latest technology is porcelain veneers that help solve problems of misaligned teeth and can virtually transform smiles!

Bleeding lipcolour: Lip glosses look awful if they bleed into wrinkles around the mouth. To avoid frequent touch ups, use a lip primer that is like a foundation for your lipstick. It sure makes a difference.

Thin lips: Not everybody is blessed with the full lips of Angelina Jolie, but thank God for lip plumpers. They work! Want another idea? Line the lips a little above or below your natural lip line. Then add lipstick and lots of gloss…its magic!

Look after that smile, lady.
A bi-annual ‘hullo’ to the dentist is a must.
Get your teeth scaled and polished for sparkling smiles.
It’s important to follow a strict oral hygiene regimen. Brushing twice a day, avoiding food and drinks containing high sugar and flossing your teeth after every meal will go a long way in adding cheer to your face.
Lovely smile with lovely dressing from head to toe makes you look lovelier. Shop now for Indian clothing and lots more for that perfect.

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COOL, CHIC COTTON CONQUERS ALL!

It goes back as far as India itself. It is traditional, yet contemporary. It is simple, yet fashionable. The hot, sweaty sub-continent always votes for Cool Cotton! In fact, can any other fabric come as close to popularity as this wonderfully natural fibre that cools the body and warms the heart?
Cotton cultivation dates way back to the origin of Indus Valley Civilization when cotton clothes were worn as unstitched material – generally dhotis or sarees. Trends changed with the advent of Kushans, Sakas and other central Asian tribes. Archaeologists have evidence that the first cotton trouser emerged during the Kushan rule, leading to the belief that stitching fabric to make clothes was introduced then. This may have evolved into the salwar kameez and pyjama later, but the masses have historically remained loyal to cotton weaves instead.

Since the Indus valley was a well-developed civilization, cotton spinning and fabric making were established industries. The techniques used then continued to dominate the small scale cotton industry before the advent of industrialization in India. Even today, Khadi is spun by hand using the spinning wheel or charkha.

Once established in India, could the Mediterranean regions be far behind? Italy and Spain saw the best of muslin entering its frontiers, thanks to the trading activities of Arab traders. While the cultivation of cotton started in Spain in the 9th century, it was only in the 15th century that cotton cloth was imported to England. The fabric became so popular in the country that the East India Company considered the import of cotton uppermost on its agenda! Slowly and gradually, the increasing spread of British rule led to the steady decline of India’s cotton processing units. Raw cotton was sent to Britain for processing and pumped back into India as machine made textiles. Through tariffs and other restrictions, the colonial rulers rendered swadeshi cotton as old-fashioned and uncompetitive. It was only after independence that cotton manufacturing in India came into its own.

As a versatile fabric, cotton has got approval from a range of classes. The politicians wear it as khadi, the farmers as dhotis, and women as sarees. Now, even top designers have made it their preferred material for showcasing creativity. In the eighties, renowned French designer Pierre Cardin visited India to subsequently bring out his Khadi line. It was, however, the global phenomenon of denim jeans that made cotton rock and roll! Other versions of cotton are chambray, which is used for making blue work shirts and corduroy which is the base fabric for fashionable shirts, jackets and trousers.

Cotton also lends itself well to blends, resulting in blended fabrics like rayon and polyester. Whether in knitted fabrics or stretch jeans, cotton with elastine makes a stretchier thread.
But is cotton merely day wear? Is it difficult to maintain, open to wrinkles, and humdrum in visual effect? It’s a firm no to all these doubts, claim designers. With technology and new techniques becoming so much a part of cotton processing, cotton can take its rightful place in the evening wear segment.

Look at cotton today. It is colourful and glamorous. With a splash of embroidery, sequins and beads, cotton kurtas can be teamed with long skirts to transform evening wear. Cotton is an eco-friendly fabric and is being used by designers in different forms. If the wearer has the panache, she should be able to carry off a chic piece in cotton at any party!

Indians are the largest consumers of cotton in the world. The fact that we are the second largest producers of cotton and that the weather is hot and humid probably contributes to this fact. What’s more, cotton has its signature style and differentiates the wearer as a person who is natural, spontaneous and individualistic. It can’t get more Indian than that.

So if you’re looking for tones and textures, feel and fall, during day or night – you really shouldn’t look beyond cotton. It’s cool – and its so globally Indian!

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LOUNGE WEAR FOR THE SUMMER!

Tights are passé, as easy breezy trousers make a re-entry. These are smarter, sleeker, and high on comfort and can raise the heat any day!

Must-dos to make heads turn:

1.You’ll look slimmer if you team up billowy pants with a cropped and slim silhouette on top.
2.Flats won’t do with slouchy trousers. Go for stylish high heels and jazz up your look with a chunky necklace.
3.If you like pleated trousers, wear a fitted shirt or a tailored jacket for a stunning coordinated look

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Neck deep in Poise

Fashion designers swear by necklines. In fact, experts are of the opinion that the neckline of your dress can make all the difference to the way you carry yourself. Here are some vital fashion guidelines for different shoulder frames:

Halter neck – wraps around the back of the neck or has a raised neck with deep armholes. Looks great on girls with broad shoulders, but should be avoided by narrow-shouldered women since it does not sit well on their frame.

Off shoulder neck – exposes the shoulder, while the sleeves cover part of the upper arm. Good for highlighting the collarbones and shoulder of curvy, pear shaped women. Not an option for those with broad shoulders and thick upper arms.

One shoulder neck – goes from over the neck on one side and keeps the other side open as it tucks below the underarm. Very flattering for those with narrow shoulders but if you have bulky arms; this neck is not for you.

Turtle neck – is a closed neckline that covers the entire upper torso, with its extended, foldable collar covering the neck. Glamorous choice for narrow shouldered femme fatales, but makes big chested women look even more top heavy.

Mock wrap neck – is a practical, no-nonsense neck that wraps over to tie in a sash. It suits all body types but is mostly worn by busty girls.

V neck – is an eternal favourite for wearers and designers alike. The neckline dips down in the front (as well as in the back, sometimes) and adds appeal to women with medium sized bust lines. Both large and small frames look awkward in a V.

Cowl neck – is a turtle neck’s close cousin. The collar is of folded fabric that is wide and loose. May not be a good idea for petite girls, but if you are in ‘L’ category, this is your kind of neck.

Boat neck – is cut straight and runs parallel to the collarbone right up to the shoulders. Perfect for the small breasted, ladylike structure. The broader, bustier ones may not find this to their liking.

Jewel or round neck – is very popular too, and is commonly found on T shirts. It’s round and sits close to the neck. Again, a hit with small chested women and a miss with the amply endowed ones.

Square neck – can be deep or shallow and suits all body types. It is shaped like half a square.
Scoop neck – looks fabulous on just about anyone and can be cut quite low to show off a hint of cleavage.

Sweetheart neck – has an interesting shape, like the top half of a heart. Young girls with a sexy bust line will get admiring glances… but if you are slim on the top, this style doesn’t work.

Strapless neck – is just as the name suggests, and hugs the chest. Naturally, you should have good collarbones, shoulders and bust to carry this off. Smaller chested women will look flat in a strapless neck, so keep it out of your wardrobe.

Go, give your neck the right neckline. And watch what it’s like to be watched!

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Online home remedies in natural way

Body beautiful…naturally

Troubled by food stains on the fingers? A slice of raw potato should be rubbed on the stains and then rinsed with water.

Goodbye pimples. To dry pimples, apply some toothpaste on them before going to bed.
Bad breath finds a good antidote in cinnamon. Boil cinnamon bark in a cup of water, cool it and store it in a bottle as an effective mouthwash.

Dark circles around the eyes make you look tired and jaded. Fight it with a paste of 1 teaspoon tomato juice, a little lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of flour. Keep it applied on the dark circles for 10 minutes, before rinsing off with water.

A great way to relieve migraine is to eat 10-12 almonds every day. It works better than painkillers.

Ever suffered from a really bad toothache? The next time, a pinch of turmeric powder in the tooth should make things a lot less painful.

Nature works in the kitchen!

Vinegar is an effective cleaning agent for your microwave. Heat a mixture of one-fourth cup vinegar and one cup water in a bowl by placing it in the microwave for 5 minutes at maximum temperature. Once the mixture cools, dip a sponge in it and clean food stains inside microwave.
Is your coffee grinder going blunt? The best way to sharpen its blades is to grind a cup of rice in it.

To ensure that the yolk does not spill out of a cracked egg while boiling, add some vinegar to the water. And you’ll get a perfectly boiled egg.

Food will not stick to the pan while being cooked if salt is added to the oil.

It is a misconception that urad dal or rajma boils faster if salt is added to water. Not adding salt cuts boiling time in half.

Steamed fish normally breaks when it is lifted. But place cheesecloth at the bottom of the pan, and your problem is solved.

Come home to nature!

Leather articles, if old and dull, can regain their sheen when rubbed with bees wax. The leather actually gains in years.

Keep your fresh flowers fresh for longer by using Sprite instead of water when watering them! 2 crocin tablets added to water works just as well.

Shaving cream can clean spilt nail polish on the carpet and make it disappear.
A newspaper clipping will last for years when soaked in a mixture of club soda and half a cup of milk of magnesia for 20 minutes. Remove it and let it dry – it’s magic!

Coca Cola removes corrosion from car batteries. So don’t just drink it, drive it.
Scratched or pressed suede comes back to form when crushed over gently with light sand paper.


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