Trendspotters

Author: Garima Kakkar

  • Did you know the ‘Peace For Paris’ symbol was designed in less than a minute?

    Did you know the ‘Peace For Paris’ symbol was designed in less than a minute?

    The evening of 13th November will always be remembered as one of the most dreaded days of 2015. The series of coordinated terrorist attacks that took place in France did not just include hostage-taking but mass shootings and suicide bombings as well. Many innocent people suffered the darkness of terrorism for reasons every one is trying to fathom. People were killed, faith was shattered and around midnight emerged the ‘Peace For Paris’ symbol sending out a strong message to the heartless that the world is united and will fight back.

    French graphic designer Jean Jullien, otherwise based out of London, is the man behind the simple yet very powerful illustration that showcases a peace symbol with the Eiffel tower, rendered in bold, black strokes against a white background. Within 24 hours the sign was seen as profile pictures on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and now on T-shirts, posters and flags.

    Peace for Paris

    A photo posted by @jean_jullien on

     Jullien, who is currently not in France, caught up with Wired.com and here are things you need to know about the powerful symbol and its inception.

    #1 It took Jullien less than a minute to design the ‘Peace For Paris’ symbol.

    #2 It wasn’t made using an elaborate computer software, but just on a sketchbook using ink and a brush.

    #3 The image of the symbol was the first thing that came to his mind as an instinctive reaction to the attacks.

    #4 He only posted it on Twitter and Instagram and it spread as a symbol of peace and solidarity the world over within a couple of hours.

    #5 It has almost 160,000 likes on Instagram and 60,000 retweets on Twitter within a span of 2 days.

  • Let Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone teach you how to dress this festive season

    Let Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone teach you how to dress this festive season

    Festive season is here and we are busy attending almost three social gatherings in one day and boy is it hectic?!

    If all the customs and gift-distribution are not letting you decide what to wear this Diwali then take inspiration from Bollywood’s fashionistas Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. While promoting Prem Rata Dhan Payo and Bajirao Mastani both gave us some fabulous ethnic looks that are simple and easy to carry.

    If you’re more a fan of subtlety then we suggest you opt for this sari look Deepika Padukone sported in Jaipur while promoting Bajirao Mastani.

     

     And if you’re more a fan of separates then go for these gold and silver looks donned by the actor.   

    Here’s an exclusive image of our Mastani from today’s Bajirao Mastani promotions in Delhi.

    A photo posted by Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) on

     Sonam Kapoor is more a fan of colour and if you’re not afraid of experimenting with your outfits, take a cue from this short anarkali and lehenga she wore to PRDP promotions.    

     Want to break away from the usual Indian look, try this fusion look and be ready to make heads turn.    

    In @rohitbalance and @shrutisushmafinejewellery MUA @namratasoni @artinayar styled by @chandiniw A photo posted by sonamkapoor (@sonamkapoor) on

     

    Source: Instagram

  • Make this Diwali safe for your pets, they can’t tell you how scared they are of fireworks

    Make this Diwali safe for your pets, they can’t tell you how scared they are of fireworks

    Pets are as important as any family member and they love to be treated like that. All they have for us is their unconditional, undying love and there’s no reason for us to not reciprocate. So this Diwali, make your pets an equal part of the festivities and take extra care of them because they don’t anticipate the sound of the firecrackers, the noise and the fire sparklers like we do. And they get scared just like a little kid would. Here’s why pets need extra care on Diwali and how you can keep them feeling safe, protected and at home.

    Inp img-1

    Reasons why fireworks are dangerous for pets, stray and domestic both

    #1 Pets have senses that make fireworks more intense for them than for you

    Pets, especially dogs are blessed with very strong senses like hearing. So a firecracker sounds much louder in their world than it does in ours. Basically, during fireworks, your dog experiences the same kind of alarmed response you do when you’re surprised by a loud noise.

    Solution: Prepare your house for the pets. Shut the curtains and the windows if you can’t escape the noise coming from outside. If your pet is caged, cover the cage with a thick blanket and make sure that they get to listen to the usual sounds like the radio or the TV to keep them from getting scared.

    #2 Pets do not anticipate the festival and the noise associated with it

    While we get a fair share of time to prepare ourselves for the sound associated with firecrackers, our pets do not. Neither do they cover their ears with their hands when a loud cracker bursts.

    Solution: If there is no way to keep your pet away from the loud noise of the firecrackers, prepare and acclimatize. Make them listen to these kinds of sounds in advance on the TV or recordings. Give them time to prepare themselves and help them in the process.

    #3 Pets get scared of fireworks because of many factors other than sound and it’s normal

    Just like a little kid, pets also get scared of fireworks. It’s not only the sound but also the lights and the fumes that make them feel agitated. And it’s absolutely normal.

    Solution: To make your pets feel comfortable, acclimatize them first (as mentioned above) and then make sure you get them some thing of their liking. It could be a treat, their favourite toy or something they like to play with. This helps in keeping them distracted and feeling happy.

    Feature img-2

    Same goes for the strays around you. Those little furry babies need the same kind of love and protection. After all, Diwali is all about love for the ones around you then why should the strays near you feel left out.

    Not just your pets, stray animals also go through all of this too.

    Make sure you do not burst any crackers around any stray animals. Educate your kids about the effects of fireworks on the speechless animals and urge them to be considerate. Provide blankets and food to the strays and ensure they are in a safe corner. Make them feel equally comfortable.

    Here are some more ways to keep your pets and strays safe during Diwali 

    Prepare a room

    If you’re not keeping your pets with you during fireworks (which is the sensible thing to do) prepare a room for them. Find a silent room or a corner for them and put food, treats, a cozy blanket, remove sharp items and make sure the room is at a nice temperature for them to feel safe. Keep checking on them whenever you get time and make them a part of the festivities after the fireworks are over.

    Make them comfortable if they are with you

    If there is no way for you to leave your pet in a safe corner, keep your pet with you but communicate with them. Tell them you’ve got their back and remember that pets communicate with energy; if you don’t make a big deal out of the fireworks they won’t either. Keep comforting them from time to time and be around them.

    Cover them with thundershirts or calming wraps

    Thundershirts are especially designed to keep your pets’ anxiety levels in control. They apply a gentle, constant pressure on a dog or cat’s torso that helps in relieving anxiety. Use thundershirts for your pets if you can’t find any other way to keep them feeling peaceful on Diwali.

    We request you to understand what other living beings of the society go through as we go on bursting crackers. They deserve an equal chance of enjoying with us so this time, light only diyas, no crackers and watch the world change.

     

     

     

     Images sourced from Source1, Source2 and Source3

  • Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan’s friendship is reaching new heights and you just can’t miss it!

    Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan’s friendship is reaching new heights and you just can’t miss it!

    Two of the most awaited releases this year, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and Dilwali are set to release in Novemeber and December respectively and we just cannot wait to watch them. Adding fuel to this fire of anticipation are these videos that were posted by Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan taking their love equation to new heights.

    We’ve seen them grow apart and then back to liking each other over the years but these videos are bound to make your heart melt. Take a look.

    Here are two videos of PRDP’s team dancing to ‘Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam’ from the blockbuster of the 90’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.

    From #premdilwala to #rajdilwale

    A video posted by sonamkapoor (@sonamkapoor) on

    #Repost @beingsalmankhan ・・・ Prem Dilwala to Raj Dilwale A video posted by sonamkapoor (@sonamkapoor) on


    And here’s a video of Dilwale’s team dancing to the hit song Prem Ratan Dhan Payo from the upcoming movie Prem Ratan Dhan Payo!

  • Apple Cider Vinegar uses: 5 reasons why it shouldn’t just stay in your kitchen cabinet

    Apple Cider Vinegar uses: 5 reasons why it shouldn’t just stay in your kitchen cabinet

    Apple Cider Vinegar also commonly known as ACV isn’t just a salad dressing staple. It has been used over many years for its curative and preventative properties and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t reap its benefits. Apple Cider Vinegar uses are not just limited to food and beverages but this good stuff has many properties that can be used for hair and beauty woos. Read on to find out more about Apple Cider Vinegar uses for giving you skin that glows and hair with flawless finish. 

    Please note that although these are home remedies, it is best to use ACV after running it through your dermatologist or a general physician. Also for external application purposes, use only raw, unfiltered and organic apple cider vinegar that is diluted with water. You may buy Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar that is available online and at many leading supermarkets in the country like Modern Bazaar. 

    Bragg-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Uses

    1) Use Apple Cider Vinegar to get rid of dandruff 

    If you have a flaky scalp, mix one part ACV with three parts water and spray it all over your scalp. Then wrap your head in a towel for an hour and wash it off. Repeat these steps twice a week for a month and see the difference for yourself.

    2) Apple Cider Vinegar to fight acne

    Every person dreams of flawless skin and while some people are blessed with it, some have to fight out the acne and keep all that bacteria at bay. We wont say that using Apple Cider Vinegar is a sure shot way to get rid of acne, but it will definitely keep all the acne germs away from your skin. Just dab some diluted ACV using a cotton pad on your face four times a week and it is sure to keep your skin clean. What’s more, ACV is also known for helping acne blemishes fade.

    3) Get rid of burnt skin with Apple Cider Vinegar

    One of the many uses of Apple Cider Vinegar is that it helps in relieving burnt skin of its trauma. If you ever hit the beach too hard and have a wedding to attend later, worry no more. Just add some ACV to your bathing water for a few days and look fabulous.

    4) Use Apple Cider Vinegar as a natural deodorant

    Body odour is one of the worst parts about having a body (no pun) and it’s not advisable to splash your self with chemicals every morning. If you’re not a fan of deodorants then apply Apple Cider Vinegar to your armpits every morning with a cotton pad. It fights bad odour and don’t worry, it evaporates so you don’t smell like you just came from grocery shopping.

    5) Use Apple Cider Vinegar to clean up makeup brushes

    Apple Cider Vinegar kills bacteria and there is no way that your makeup brushes don’t have some as they come in contact with your skin almost every day. To keep your makeup brushes clean, add some ACV to lukewarm water with a few drops of lemon, clean your makeup brushes with the mixture and let them dry.

    Like our list of Apple Cider Vinegar uses? Let us know how you use your ACV and we’d love to share it.

  • Here’s your guide to looking stylish effortlessly ALL THE TIME!

    Here’s your guide to looking stylish effortlessly ALL THE TIME!

    We all have those days when putting together an outfit turns into the toughest task. Not because we don’t have enough pieces (old and new) in our wardrobes, but because the brain just can’t figure the perfect ensemble that day. For all those days and others too, here’s the perfect guide to looking stylish effortlessly and all the time. Fashion blogger Carly Cristman and celebrity stylist Lindsay Albanese share their favourite tricks to looking fashionable and stylish by pairing things that are already kept in your wardrobe. Take a look.

    #1) Get the right proportions

    Both Carly Cristman and Lindsay Albanese suggest that even when you’re pairing a simple top with a pair of jeans, wearing them in the right proportion is the key to making it stand out and looking stylish. For instance if you’re wearing a boxy top, ensure that it is worn with something fitted.

    proportions

    #2) Lindsay’s Hip Tip

    When wearing a simple outfit like a T-shirt paired with shorts, tuck the T-shirt into your shorts partially (called the Lindsay’s Hip Tip) to add an extra stylish detail. It defines your waistline and adds a personal touch to the outfit.

    Lindsay's Hip Tip

    #3) Monochromatic

    The ultimate guide to looking stylish even when you’re stressed is to go for monochrome. Pick one colour, black for example and go all black. The point here to keep in mind is pairing different hues of the same colour.

    monochromatic

    #4) Accessorize

    Accessories always up the style factor and there’s no reason one should shy away from them. Add a chunky choker neck piece to a plain dress or a dainty pendant to an outfit to put together a finished look.

     Accessorize

    #5) Know your favourites

    It is always best to know about your favourite pieces in your wardrobe for those days when you just can’t fix yourself on one outfit. Best advice is to keep staple garments like a pair of blue denims, a little black dress and the perfect white shirt handy at all times to avoid confusion.

    Know your favourite

    Do tell us if you like this guide to looking stylish effortlessly! And if you want us to write about other things, mention in the comments section below and we’ll get to it. Stay fabulous!

    All GIFs sourced from YouTube

  • How would you like it if Barack Obama crashed your wedding?

    How would you like it if Barack Obama crashed your wedding?

    During his recent visit to California, President Barack Obama made a small appearance at a wedding that changed a couple’s life. Just a little while before Stephanie and Brian Tobe were about to exchange their vows at their golf course wedding, the couple was surprised by a last minute guest, Barack Obama. Mr. President happened to be playing a round of golf at The Lodge at Torrey Pines and the couple was asked to either delay the ceremony or get it done with immediately.

     

    Goes without saying, they chose to delay it while immersing themselves in some champagne and the bride ran down from their suite to get a picture with the president and he was happy to be a part of their wedding. Take a look at the beautiful pictures.