Cotton Khadi

With the arrival of the monsoons, our wardrobe undergoes some reshuffling, wherein thicker clothing gets swapped for light weight garments. Putting clothes in storage keeps them safe until you're ready to wear them again. What you need to keep in mind is that the high levels of humidity during these four months of monsoons can be detrimental to our clothes if not stored properly. Mould, mildew, humidity, insects and pests are some of our main concerns. Follow these few useful tips to preserve your clothes and keep them looking fresh season after season. Always clean clothes before storing. Lingering oils from deodorants and perfumes, and perspiration can discolour fabric over time. Food stains will attract moths. Do not iron with starch; bugs love it. Make sure to check the wash care label of the garment you intend to store whether it is meant to be dry cleaned, hand washed or machine washed. Never machine wash a garment that is meant to be dry cleaned. Washing and ...

When I think of monsoons in Goa, I get a warm and fuzzy feeling as I reminisce about the smell of wet earth during the first rains, the pitter-patter of raindrops against the tiled rooftops, the cleansing of the dusty leaves on the trees and a general feeling of rejuvenation. Rain can be fun in so many ways- splashing around in puddles, going for a hike in the backwoods, movie marathons or devouring hot pakodas with chai while watching the rain fall from a warm cosy place. However, it can be a nightmare when it comes to getting from one place to another during a heavy downpour while you are required to look chic and dry when you reach your destination. Here are a few tips on what to wear during the rainy season so you stay comfortable and stylish at the same time. Colours: A dark and cloudy day can make one feel gloomy. Beat the dull and grey weather with bright colours such as reds, yellows, oranges, blues and greens. Avoid wearing whites at all cost since no matter ho...

The first thought that newly engaged brides-to-be have is starting their search for their “perfect” wedding dress. Most women have dreamed of their big day all their lives, and the pressure to find the wedding dress that matches those dreams is unreal. Although planning the wedding and finalizing the design of the dress is a fun process, for many it can be extremely stressful and confusing. Relax! De-stress and enjoy the experience. The trick is to start planning very early so that you don’t have to run around at the very last minute. Decide on your budget for the dress and whether it will be a readymade one or customized to your taste. Your dress should suit the activities and style of your wedding. Ask yourself questions like, “Do I feel beautiful in this dress?”, “Can I dance and move around all night?”, or “Can I sit down?” Dresses with beautiful trains, and detailing across the hem are great, but don’t forget about the top of your dress as well as, as that part of ...

I see extraordinary women around me every day. Amazing, captivating, inspiring! Most of them don’t even realize how extraordinary they are. They just go about doing their everyday chores, multitasking and being the best they can. Lovers, learners, healers, nurturers and carers. Women are everything and more. I could go on and on about so many women who have inspired me all through my life, but I would like to particularly reminisce about the three women who have shaped me and made me who I am today. These three women are my grandmother, my mother and my nanny. THE DISCIPLINARIAN: My mother was a teacher. That would probably explain why she was so strict with us. But there’s more to her than what meets the eye. My mother raised me and my sister single-handedly since my father worked abroad. It is not easy playing the role of both parents to a child, but my mother did it and I will always admire her for it. My mother has always been meticulous, hardworking, organized, punc...

April 24 th is observed as “Fashion Revolution Day”, while “Fashion Revolution Week” takes place during the week of 24 th April every year. Fashion Revolution is a global movement calling for greater ethics, sustainability and transparency in the fashion industry. Fashion Revolution Day commemorates the anniversary of the 2013 Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh, when nearly 1133 people died and over 2500 were injured. These were the victims of an industry dominated by large global corporate groups and their sponsored media who encourage a dream lifestyle of selfishness, apathy, superficiality and greed to a growing worldwide audience of billions. Fast fashion is an industry which provides the latest fashion at low prices. It is an industry that thrives on planned obsolescence, ignorance and waste. It promotes the increase in consumer’s demand for buying more and more by creating a culture of fast changing trends. To keep up with the insatiable need for buying more a...

On the 31 st of October, many countries around the world will observe “Halloween”. It is a Western Christian feast and a prelude to the three-day observance in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs and all the faithful departed. While it has never been a major festival in India, in recent times, due to the awareness created by the media, Halloween has gained popularity even among the non-Christians. Most of the youth are aware of this festival and celebrate by attending Halloween costume parties. Many a clubs, pubs and other businesses try to capitalize on the concept. Halloween costumes are mostly considered to be scary or outlandish. Here are a few ideas for stylish costumes without the need to look bizarre, overtly provocative or outright creepy. Morticia Addams: I have always been fascinated by this character from the Addams Family. I feel she is mysterious, graceful and elegant. To achieve this look, you w...

Summer can be quite a challenging season to dress for many women considering you reveal more of yourself and your body and have fewer layering options at your disposal. What you wear in the summer can also determine how you feel all day long. Inappropriate summer clothing can really wear you down and exhaust all your energy. Although less is more in summer, it does not have to be boring and dull. The trick is to find the right balance between fresh, cool and flattering. Wear natural fibres: Cottons are your best friend in the summer. Cotton fabrics are breathable, absorb sweat and dry faster. Opt for pure cottons. Linen is even better, although more expensive, it is highly absorbent and a good conductor of heat. Linen fabrics are cool to touch and one of the strongest fibres available. Silks are also a good option and can keep you cool. However, they are high maintenance, especially in the summer, and you might want to reserve your silks for the evening or on special occa...