fashion

Let's talk about periods. It's as much a part of our lives as breathing and burping (yes, girls burp ok). Hormones are all over the place but then again that's why we have chocolates. For me, I'm constantly worrying about staining my dress or the chair I'm sitting on for 8 hours straight at work. Did I mention overall discomfort that leads to general crankiness? Yeahhh... add that to the list right next to checking the pad every few hours. Why am I tell you all this?



Because I truly believe that periods are not the end of the world. It's no reason for us to stress or worry and it's definitely no reason to stay away from normal activities that make us happy. According to me, the one thing that makes periods a trying time is the discomfort - physical and emotional. And we must do what we can to eliminate this feeling. We have chocolate, wine, books and Zayn Malik to keep us emotionally upbeat. In a bid to reduce the physical discomfort, Whisper innovated and came up with something cool.

THE EVENT
Well, I celebrated International Women's Day this year with Whisper. One of my favourite feminine hygiene brands, Whisper invited a bunch of bloggers to Tote on the Turf at Mahalaxmi, Mumbai for the launch of their newest innovation - Ultra Soft.

We met Radhika Apte who so eloquently pointed out that since we're on our period for 1/6th of our lives, it's about time we get comfortable in our own skin. I couldn't agree more. Not only do we need to start treating it normally like any other bodily function, we also need to cut ourselves some slack. We need to be confident and comfortable enough to choose to do what we want and when we want it, especially when we're menstruating. Because it's not an illness or a disease, it's just periods. It cannot and should not hold us back.



Gynaecologist Dr. Nandita Palshetkar spoke about how important it is for us to be hygienic, especially since it's so crazy hot and humid in most part of India. And finally, P&G's senior scientist who came down all the way from Germany, Edit Tilly walked us through their new creation - the New Whisper Ultra Soft.

THE PRODUCT
It's pretty crazy when you think about the amount of research, science, time and effort that goes into making a sanitary pad. Whisper Ultra is thin already. But the Ultra Soft is twice as softer. That's amazing because one of our biggest issues with sanitary pads is that they can be corse to the skin and leave us with rashes.



To touch, Ultra Soft is like silk #NoKidding. Apart from having a two layer top sheet for softness, it also has these pores that soaks everything into the gel underneath. And its super gel binds, holds as well as kills odour.

Structurally, it's wider at the back which is great because it lets you wear the pad longer without worrying much, especially at night.

THE REVIEW
I decided to take up the #UltraSoftChallenge. I've been using it for the past 3 days of my period and I can safely say it's pretty comfortable. Not only is it thin, but it's so soft and doesn't hurt the skin even after my 45 minute evening walk.



Absorption wise, it's good too. It does pull the wetness away from the skin which also adds to the comfy quotient. I also tend to have problems with the wings and how they sometimes lose their glue and come off. No such thing has happened yet with the Ultra Soft. The wings are pretty sturdy and keep the pad in place.

The New Whisper Ultra Soft is priced lower than the Ultra Thin at Rs 64 for 7 pads. It comes in 2 sizes: L and XL.

PS: Give this video a look-see to see how we celebrated International Women's Day.



Full Disclosure: This post was created in collaboration with Whisper. All opinions, thoughts and views are wholly of the writer only. 

fashion

She believes she was born a century too late. For ruffles and lace make her swoon.

She dressed up in a vintage-esque dress for Race day on a breezy Saturday. She bet on a subdued fascinator, black tie-up heels and simple black clutch. #VictorianMuch

Ruffled dress: Koovs.com #SaleHaul
Floral headband: Accessorize
Tie-up black heels: Ajio.com #SaleHaul

CC creme: Lakme S# Bronze
Mascara: Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara -  01 Extreme Black
Eye Shadow: The Little Black Book Palette from Elf- Volume II
Eye Liner: Maybelline New York The Colossal Liner - Black

Photographer: D.R.R TrollKill
Shot on: Moto G3 

beauty fashion

Artist, feminist, communist, fashion icon, LGBT idol – Frida was a great many things. She embodied unconventionality and put Mexico on the fashion and beauty map. A look at how the Mexican artist celebrated individuality through her make-up. We break down the rebellious artist’s signature statements.

Chic Cheek

Olive-skinned Frida was unafraid of using colours in her art, attire and make-up. She loved highlighting her cheekbones and often wore a bold red lip stain to match.

The Brow Code

Rule breaker alert. Before Brooke Shields and way before Cara Delevingne, Frida rocked the big brow. Her iconic unibrow has been immortalized courtesy her many self-portraits, giving the rest of us the courage to go bold with them.

Gender Bender

After her divorce from fellow artist Diego Rivera, she cut her hair short and owned the look effortlessly by wearing men’s suits. Did someone say androgynous fashion?

Hair Supply

Long before Game of Thrones made elaborate milkmaid braids a thing, the Latin American artist rolled up her thick, black hair into stylish updos, complete with a centre parting. She loved flowers and ribbons, and absolutely no one wore floral crowns better than her.

I wrote this article for the July issue of The Juice magazine. It was originally published here. 

fashion

If you thought shirts were monotonous, think again. It’s hard to imagine that the all-holy shirt was once just an undergarment and not a must-have basic. Over the years, the simple shirt – the uniform for 9-5 shifts – has evolved, metamorphosing into a street style staple. Whatever be its form, the shirt continues to exude power and formality. We break down its latest avatars this season.

Wicked Victorian

Ruffle some feathers by embracing your inner Prince (RIP). In-your-face romantic, this blast from the past has stiff collars, girly gathers and a steady following.

Undercover Agent

2015 gave us Adele after a four-year hiatus and the T-shirt under the slip dress. 2016 has seen fashionistas give the dress a promotion by pairing it with a button-down. Try it and look posh AF.

Longer Route

An oversized shirt dress is every it-girl’s favourite this season. To make it extra fun, cinch it at the waist with a tie and slip on a pair of brogues. Whoever said formal has to be dull!

Reverse Gear

Here’s a little trick to try – take a perfectly functional shirt and turn it around, literally! Wear your shirt backside front, teaming it with whatever you feel like. Edgy? Yasss!

Off the Crop

Every self-proclaimed girl boss needs this in her closet. The off or cold shoulder shirt in Wall Street blue is equal parts whimsical and badass.

Night Out

Sleepwalking has never looked this natty. Pile on satin pyjamas, complete with the piped shirt and cosy pants in monotone, for a day out on the town.

I wrote this article for the August issue of The Juice magazine. It was originally published here. 

fashion people

At 25, Sharmila Nicollet is making headlines on and off course. The Indo-French athlete is the second and youngest Indian to earn a full card on the Ladies European Tour. She spends her time training, Instagramming and being a regular girl with flawless skin.

My skincare routine 
I’m a little OCD about my skincare. I don’t like using many chemicals on my face. I use a soapless face cleanser and follow it up with a moisturizer twice a day. I’m in the sun a lot, so a sunscreen is a must. Mom makes me natural face packs – papaya, banana or mango with multani mitti. I get a clean-up done once every two months.

My fitness schedule 
I eat a small meal or a few bananas before hitting the gym. I gym six times a week – twice on upper body, twice on lower body and twice on core. My regime consists of mobility and heavy weight training. I love weight and muscle training and mix it up with balance and core. Plus, I get a deep tissue massage at the end of the week.

Signature look on course 
I don’t wear too much make-up – basic mascara, some concealer, sunscreen, foundation and lip balm, all for protection and cover-up.

Make-up off-duty 
For a night out, I like to wear my eyes smoky and it’s either hot pink or bright red for the lips. I wear basic foundation and sometimes contour or bronze to sharpen my features. I’ve never used a compact or blush, my cheeks get red naturally!

All for my hair 
Excessive colouring and sun exposure damaged my hair but argan oil has helped repair it. I use argan oil twice a week, leaving it in overnight and washing it off the next morning.

I wrote this article for the August issue of The Juice magazine. It was originally published here. 

fashion

Whether you’re aiming for dainty, badass or the girl next door, there’s something there for everyone. The lowdown on A/W 2016 biggest fashion trends... 

The 80s

L-R: Fyodor Golan, Moschino and Paul Smith 

The era of rock and roll is back to shake things up. Some of the loudest retro trends, from crop tops, shoulder pads and fishnet stockings to off-shoulders and blinding neons, have made a big comeback. And animal prints on everything from fur coats to boots are righteous again.

Lady Victorian

L-R: Valentino, Valentino and Scognamiglio

Sweetheart necklines, pretty pleats, rich brocade and ruffles made a strong case for Victorian revival. Valentino, Chanel and Dior revisited history with some of fashion’s most romantic shapes and silhouettes. We love how this ultra-feminine trend is made rugged with knee-high boots.

Miss Rock

L-R: Dmitry Sholokhov, On Aura Tout Vu and AF Vandevorst

The borderline goth, badass rocker girl is taking centre stage. But this time she’s a lady and she knows it. The don’t-mess-with-me look is offset with feminine silhouettes. Dmitry’s peplum top, McQueen’s slit dress with pink butterflies and Vandevorst’s jacket and cape makes a case for leather in black with some girly shapes and prints.

Cartoons & Emojis 

L-R: Hindmarch and Moschino

Graphics this season are nostalgic cartoons from your childhood. Also, goofy emojis we know, love and use every day. From Hindmarch and Scott to House of Holland and Moschino, high fashion labels are going *heart eyes* for playful images.

Sweet Sweater

L-R: Ryan Lo and Pringle

Raid grandma’s closet because her kooky winter wear is making headlines. Sweaters this season are happily oversized and knitted in bright colours with adorable prints. Case in point, Ryan Lo’s giant butterfly knit.

Midnight Sky

L-R: Tony Ward, House of Holland and Alexander McQueen

Much like 2015, shimmer is all the rage this season to. In a House of Holland strappy dress, Minx duster jacket, Alexander McQueen gown and Tony Ward pantsuit, sequins on black resembling the night sky lit up the runways. Because evening wear ought to be out of this world…

Jewel Tones of Red, Purple & Indigo

L-R: Vetements, Rani Zakhem and On Aura Tout Vu

Indigo, which was big at Elie Saab and Ralph & Russo, is on its way to becoming the new black, while gender-neutral purple walked down Hobeika and Rani Zakhem runways looking like royalty. Red in scarlet and rust shades made its way to Versace and Vetements.

I wrote this article for September issue of The Juice by Jabong magazine. It's posted online here.

fashion people

My sister from another mister, Aditi Sharma Maheshwari looked like a piece of art today when we met for lunch. An ex-colleague, my namesake's sense of style spells sophistication. A brilliant writer and even better confidante, AM (as she's fondly called) brings her fun side to her dressing.

She's an insanely colourful and caring person and her outfits reflect that. Look at her pull off a Indian art print skirt with multi-coloured shoes and matte peachish-orange nail polish while looking very bit the dainty. Doesn't she look like a happy bird?

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari is wearing a V-neck black top from Lifestyle, a Zara midi skirt, vibrant kitten heels from Catwalk, a Versace handbag and matte nail polish from Colorbar. Similar top, skirt, heels, bag and nail polish.

Fun fact
Right before this post went live, AM texts me, "I hope I don't get too much fan mail". Don't you try denying this girlfriend, I've got proof.

fashion people

Raisa Tolia is a good friend and an ex-colleague. The fire in her is almost contagious and the passion with which she does everything in life is admirable. Sweet girl that she is, she want to meet her girlfriends from work for lunch a day before her birthday.

I absolutely loved what she wore. A navy blue accordion pleated midi teamed with a cream shirt, casually tucked it. Sans jewellery. She almost never needs jewellery. She teamed it with studded, strapped sandals and a giant tote that could fit a small to medium size baby. I've always admired the grace with which she carries off her outfit. I'm going to call it and say...this one's full #girlboss material.

Happy birthday, Rice Bowl!

Raisa Tolia's cream collared button down and studded shoes are Zara while pleated blue skirt and black handbag are Forever 21. Similar shirt, shoes, skirt and bag.

fashion

Because what goes around, comes around…

We have news and it’s rather big. Hang on to your fanny pack because the greatest decade of all time is making a fashionable comeback. The freaking 90s are back! Fashion has always had a tendency of rehashing the past and it’s finally made its way back to the 1990s when Friends aired its pilot episode, Bill Clinton was President, Britney Spears was a good girl and the Macarena was invented.

Several style statements from the 90s are making their cute (some even ugly) presence felt and we’ve picked our favourite four fashion trends for you to adopt right away.

          Denim Dungarees or Overalls
Essentially made for farmers and mechanics, the dungaree soon trickled its way to everyday fashion in the 90s and it’s back this year, albeit in a skinner (perhaps even ripped) avatar.

Shop: Topshop on Jabong

Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) in Friends to Joey (Katie Holmes) in Dawson’s Creek aced the short dungaree with sleeves tops

        Crop Tops
Crop it like it’s hot, girlfriend! Midriff baring season is here again. For those of us not blessed with Kate Hudson’s abs, the good news is high waisted shorts/skirts or even mom jeans have time travelled their way into our lives.

On Jabong: Bhane on Koovs and Crop tank on TheLabelLife

Sometime it’s a turtleneck crop, sometimes it’s a tie up crop, either way this Britney Spears short top trend is hitting us one more time

        Plaid and Flannel

The lumberjack plaid pattern has axed its way to town. In skirts, shirt dresses, full sleeved shirts and even overcoats, plaid has played it cool since the 90s.

On Jabong: Plaid skater skirt on TheLabelLife

Brenda Walsh of 90210 (Shannon Doherty) and Cher Horowitz of Clueless (Alicia Silverstone) made the checkered plaid their own in the ‘90s

          Platform               

If you wanna be a fashionista, you gotta get with this trend.

Shop: Chalk studio on Myntra and New look on Koovs

When three of the five Spice Girls are donning platform trainers, you know they’re serious about this trend

Psst… while you are relishing the craze of the 90s, we suggest you go all out with Courtney Cox style Mom Jeans (Forever 21 on Myntra), Meg Ryan style Round Sunglasses (Sneak-a-Peek at Koovs) and Sabrina Spellman (the Teenage Witch) chocker (Labelkiss). But if you see jelly shoes and stick on tattoos, you know you’ve gone too far.

fashion

Shit happens. Most times, you don't see it coming and the other times, you're in deep denial of its arrival. But like it or not, painful unpleasantness is as much a part of this wretchedly beautiful life as is unconditional love (care for some short poetry).

So, what does she do when her meticulous plans go down the drain? She deliberates in silence. "I've got two choices," she tells herself. She can cry, wallow in self pity and roll up into a ball of despair only to hibernate for months. Or she can adult. She can allow herself to feel bad for a day or two, but then she's got to pick up the pieces, mend the figurative cracks in her previously perfect plan and improvise. Why? Because we must.

Yes, black mourns. But black is also elegant, strong and powerful.

Style Guide
This dress pretty much breaks 3 rules of chubby short girl dress and still looks great. Here's why...

1) Strappy: My sausage arms are out there for the world to see...SO WHAT? I don't give a...
2) Midi length: At 5 ft nothing, this dress might (according to fashion rules) make me look stubby. But it doesn't. Read the point below to know why.
3) Elastic band: The ever painful elastic band that cuts the silhouette in two. I love that this band is a few inches below the bust area and well above the navel. I'm so over those that cut the body in half making everything look unflattering. This one dissects in such a way that my lower half looks longer.


Midi dress and stacked rings: Forever 21 (similar on Myntra)
Gum boots: Amazon.in (wearing them all monsoon)
Choker: Simple thick black ribbon

Photography by Sirawon Khathing 

fashion

Let’s start with an open secret. No girl in her right mind can do without a face scrub. It exfoliates by cleaning dead skin...you know the ugly stuff you can’t really see, but is definitely there. It also helps remove stuff that you can see – the dreaded blackheads and whiteheads. It’s an essential part of any skincare routine – a step before cleansing-toning-moisturizing – and must not be missed. Having said that, scrubs are not to be used everyday. Twice a week is ideal.  I tried out Himalaya’s Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub (Rs 130) for 4 weeks before I came to the following conclusions.

The Dope
Yes, cleansing and toning is mighty important to keep the skin squeaky clean and healthy. But a lot of us, strangely enough, forget to scrub. A good scrub gets rid of the junk you’ve carrying on your face as well as cleans away the dead skin. This simple skin care routine, which we often ignore, can make your skin feel alive again. Remember Rocky running up those stairs and celebrating…that’s your skin after a good scrub down.

The scrub contains walnut shell granules and a lot of it. Walnut is a superfood. If you didn’t know that yet, what rock have you been living under? It helps lock in moisture and is filled with healthy fats.

I have massively oily skin and I’m tired of scrubs that cheap out on the scrub portion of it. Since this walnut scrub from Himalaya had plenty of hard granules, it exfoliated like a dream. Its cream based, so it’s easy to get a good scrub on. It’s on the stronger side of life, which meant I couldn’t use it more than twice a week. But on the days that I did use it, my skin was oil free for 4-6 hours after.

It cleans thoroughly and since my skin had such less oil, breakouts were at bay too! The packaging says it has Apple (yum!), mild notes of which can be found in the scent of the scrub. I’m not going to talk about the scent much, since it’s largely medicinal. I don’t mind it because as a face scrub, it gets the works done well. Apple is supposed to have natural antioxidants and vitamin C, so yay to that!

One of the main reasons I like this scrub is for its lack of microbeads. Over the past few decades, microbeads have replaced traditionally used biodegradable materials like walnut shells, salt, apricot etc. in scrubs. These microbeads are made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and nylon. When washed down the drain, the sewer filtration systems cannot trap them as they are very minute and end up reaching the ocean and never break down. Like plastic, microplastic beads like these are a serious threat to ocean life. I’ve been making a conscious effort in buying personal care products that do not have microbeads and I’m glad this scrub is one of them.

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