Category: FASHION & LIFESTYLE

This section brings you the latest stories on fashion and beauty trends, movies and entertainment along with reviews of the innovative apps to use. Stay up-to-date with the posts on latest runway fashion and entertainment trends from Trendspotters. This go-to destination offers the hottest trends in the world of entertainment, fashion and beauty.

Neha Dhupia talks about partnering with Kiehl’s India for the Teach For India initiative

To commemorate its 5^th Anniversary in India, the cosmetic brand Kiehl’s partnered with actress Neha Dhupia and Teach For India to establish ‘Kiehl’s Gives’ – an ongoing global initiative to promote philanthropy. For the first time in India, the brand retailed a special edition of their Ultra Facial Cream – the world’s favourite moisturizer –100% net proceeds from which (up to INR 7,00,000), will go straight to Teach For India in February 2016 to educate underprivileged children across the country.

Actress Neha Dhupia was a proud partner of the collaboration and we got a chance to speak to her about the Teach for India initiative and the importance of educating young minds in India. Here’s what she had to say;

Kiehl’s, along with Teach For India and Neha Dhupia, wants to bring an end to India’s educational crisis. In India, according to Teach For India, 90% children start school, 58% drop out of primary school and only 10% finish high school and go on to study in colleges across India.

“Teach for India tirelessly works towards bridging the gaps and challenges that underprivileged children face in education. Supportive partners like Kiehl’s share our passion for improving the lives of these kids, and fostering optimism and making education a human right,” says Neha Dhupia.

The special edition designed bottle echoes with Neha Dhupia’s sentiment to “give where you live” to eliminate educational inequality in India. Purchasing 10 jars of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream will help bring excellent education to 1 child in a Teach For India classroom for 1 year.

The vision for this vibrant bottle label has been a collaborative effort between Neha Dhupia and the children from Teach for India. Colourful butterflies take to the skies in the same manner as children live up to their full potential – charting their distinctive journeys to success and happiness.

“Kiehl’s has a long-standing heritage of working to further the cause of children. In our completion of 5 years in India, We are proud to continue this important philanthropic work with Teach For India, an effective, on-the-ground, organization built on the foundation that every child has the right to get an education and that all children deserve a future. Thank you Neha Dhupia and our Customers for helping support this wonderful cause” says Kiehl’s India General Manager Smira Bakshi.”

March 18, 2016
Grid: Your ultimate guide to the new fashion trend of Spring 2016

Ginghams were a dominant trend for a larger part of 2015 and almost everybody was seen in gingham shirts, gingham pants, gingham overcoats… basically everything gingham. But this year, gingham has been swapped by the new fashion trend of Spring 2016 which is, embrace yourselves, grid. No, we are not talking about something tech-related! Grid is the new gingham and we’d love to say that it looks nothing but classy and sophisticated.

This trend is so versatile that you can wear it to almost everywhere. It’s perfectly appropriate for work, a day out with your girlies, family occasions or even a night out with your partner. Want a better picture of this new fashion trend? We’ve got you covered. Take a look at these pictures by Shantea and get some style inspiration on how to style them.

March 17, 2016
Alia Bhatt steals the show once again

Alia Bhatt turned 23 and celebrated her birthday in the capital with her co-stars Sidharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan Although, it was a working birthday for her; she wore a bambah ensemble and showed up like a pro.

The black and white high-waisted bow dress with a cut-out lace hemline and no shoulder was exactly what we were expecting from her on her special day. She made her innocence become the only accessory for her; perfectly accentuating the outfit with a pinch of perfection.

Her stylist certainly gets a high five from us!

Pictures By: Viral Bhayani

March 16, 2016
5 ridiculously cool passports from around the world!

Who thought passports could be cool? I mean, they are just tiny (read very important) booklets that somehow prove to be a crucial identity proof across the globe for all of us.

Different nations around the world provide different coloured/style of passports to their citizens and there’s no denying the fact that us Indians have a cool shade of dark blue with that golden emboss making it look swanky AF.

Talking about swanky passports, unfortunately we are a little behind compared to a few nations who took their passport CQ (coolness quotient) to another level. If you aren’t aware of what we’re about; here’s a look at these amazingly cool passports from around the world and what makes them so unique!

1. Canada

We think Canada is the coolest one so far! It may look like just another passport to common people but here’s the trick – try putting it under UV lights and you’ll see magic. To protect the Canadian passports from forgeries, the Canadian law processes the passports for their citizens that glow in various colours and designs and the word mesmerising would be an understatement!

2. Norway

Talking about colourful papers under UV lights, Norway isn’t very far behind Canada. Depicting the Norwegian landscape when under UV lights, the Norwegian passport sparkles up making it look beautiful unlike any other. What adds to their charm is the fact that their passport’s outer covering comes in shades of white, blue and orange!

3. Finland

Ever played with a flipbook while you were a child? We bet all Finnish people with passports have! That’s right, all Finnish passports have an imprint of an elk on its pages and as you start flipping them in a swift motion, you can see the elk moving along walking on four legs! How cool is that?

4. Australia

So what if the Australian passports don’t glow? The unique part of their passports is the fact that each page of the Australian passport has a colourful artwork! This artwork depicts common things found in Australia like kangaroos, platypuses, the scenery etc. Who would want to stamp on that and ruin it?

5. China

Adding to the list of cool passports around the world is China. Again, under UV lights or black lights, the Chinese passport glows and depicts different places/monuments/cities in China along with their names. Isn’t that a very cool way to promote different places in the Chinese province?

If you know of any other passports that fall into the same category, do let us know in the comments section below!

PS – The story above was inspired by this article on Quora.

March 15, 2016
Ranveer Singh, Aditi Rao Hydari, Ayushmann Khurana and Rahul Khanna at Adidas Originals’ NMD launch party

Designed for the urban street nomad, Adidas Originals’ iconic NMD collection was recently revealed in Mumbai. The ever-so-enthusiastic Ranveer Singh, also the face of the brand in India turned up as the perfect host. He kept the cameras rolling decked up in a pair of adidas Originals’ NMD sneakers, a raincoat style hoodie teamed with a long black t-shirt and a pair of black tracks.

Crafted keeping in mind the street wear consumer, NMD by Adidas Originals fused with boost and primeknit technology certainly becomes a must for the disruptive yet radical runner look. At the same time, move beyond the streets and a pair of NMD will transfer your look from street to chic. Yes, sports luxe has got a fresh new entrant. And, the launch party will certainly make us believe in that.

Apart from Ranveer Singh, camera-favourites like Aditi Rao Hydari, Ayushmann Khurana, Rahul Khanna, Mandira Bedi, Rannvijay Singh were also seen amongst many others. The launch party turned up as a fashion extravaganza of sorts when Ranveer Singh took over the DJ console and party bombers showed their love for sports quite literally.

Aditi Rao Hydari earns a special mention for winning our hearts with that appearance. She showed up in a printed Adidas crop top teamed with a pair of old school high-waisted denims and matching shoes. Just wow.

Check out more action in the pictures.

Pictures by: Viral Bhayani

March 14, 2016
Alia Bhatt’s looks from Kapoor & Sons’ promotion spree are all you need this summer for inspiration

Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan starrer Kapoor & Sons, is all set to hit the screens this weekend which means promotion which basically translates into lots of outfit inspiration. Yay!

The trio went around the country to promote their movie and Alia Bhatt, very successfully, gave us one good outfit after another. It’s easy to say that Alia Bhatt’s looks from Kapoor & Sons’ promotion spree are all you need this summer for inspiration. Take a look at the pictures below and you’ll know what we are talking about.

#1) Pair a cutesy T-shirt with denims and heels

#2) Convert the look into a night outfit by swapping the top for something dressy. Do not forget to miss her play with the colours.

#3) Need some Indian outfit inspiration? Here you go!

#4) Just when you thought Camouflage print couldn’t look any cooler!

#5) Denim on denim? Oh yes!

#6) Have a flowy white dress? Team it with a pair of jeans and brave the summer looking fresh as a daisy

Have a favourite look from the lot? Tell us by leaving a comment in the comments section below.

Pictures: Viral Bhayani

March 14, 2016
Summer style steals for men

This summer is all about experimentation for men. And, if you are reading this then it is time you make the much-needed shift in your priorities – now. Allow your style quotient to top the agenda and you shouldn’t feel apologetic about it at all. It is time you treat yourself as equals in every sense of the word. Here’s a list of summer essentials for men to keep them looking cool and chic at the same time, all season long.

This summer dress up and dare the sun as if you are a way ahead than the ladies. Here’s a check list for your summer wardrobe.

Lots of linens

A summer favourite, linen is the fabric to brave the sun. When heat and humidity bug you together it is important that you opt for something as light and breathable as linens. This warm weather fabric can actually give your summer wardrobe a whole lot of variety. Schedule your days at work with a linen shirt and dress down for a soiree in a pair of crease-free linen pants. You are good to go.

Decoding the collarless

Source

On a hot sunny day, who wouldn’t want to slip into a T-shirt? There is no crime in doing that. But, how about adopting the tee with a whole new dimension? Collarless Henley T-shirts with a button placket can offer so much more to your wardrobe. Made for the summer season, they are easy, extremely comfortable and super stylish.

Summery shorts

Source

Gone are the days when men had only a handful of options to dress up. In fact, today they can completely ditch the pants and instead don a cool pair of shorts to rock a hot summer day. Remember, it isn’t that easy to find a perfect fit. Hog your way through different sizes and fit, once you nail the perfect one for your body type – buy them. Further, you can experiment with texture, material and colours to enhance your look.

Weather watch

A look without a wrist watch is like a movie without any climax. Yeah! A watch really does that to your look. Get an envious nato strap watch and let the sweat feel bad throughout the summer season. It is a quintessential summer accessory that adds character to your look without much ado.

Bag the look

Source

Perfect your look with an over-sized bag and walk through a hectic day at work like a fashion-forward man. Designer brand like Nappa Dori have some great options to suit every style.

Shoe power

It is time you shelve your sneakers until autumn returns and get out with the newest edition of shoes – the boat shoe. They are in vogue for many reasons. First up, they are easy-to-wear and slip out of. They can turn around your look in seconds and get you the attention for all the good reasons. The boat shoe in different colours and styles is definitely a head turner.

Pamper a bit

Sweat out but remember to rejuvenate too. While it is important that you workout through the summer, it is mandatory that you indulge in some self-pampering too. In that case, the coolest option is to get yourself registered to Fitpass – a service that will not let you miss you a single workout session with access to a 1000 gyms operating in Delhi-NCR, all with just one subscription. To top it all, brands like Ustraa from Happily Unmarried and Kiehl’s can offer you an array of beauty and skincare products that can give your basics a whole new face. Remember, to pull off any look you need to really look good and feel good.

March 11, 2016
7 uber-legit reasons why you should definitely start working out in your late twenties (if you don’t already)

It’s a very common fact that working out is extremely crucial for the human body. And this post is for all those lazy asses out there who are in their mid/late twenties and still believe in chilling at home or going out in their free time.

For those of you who think about making the most out of life, a balanced daily routine is something that needs to be worked upon. The point to be noted here is that working out is a lot more than losing that extra fat on your body and being fit AF! And for the same reason, here’s a list of reasons why you should be working out on a regular basis, especially if you are in your late twenties.

#1 Working out is a great stress buster

Life’s gotten just a tad-bit serious for you now, and you have just started to realise how you’ve been swamped with one responsibility and the other. This process will only multiply with work and family, only to make you realise that stress is something you just can’t avoid from time to time! Go for a run if not the gym, or join a sport. There are plenty of options out there that’ll help you keep your mind off the unnecessary stress and let you be at peace at the end of the day.

Source

#2 It makes you more active

Of course it does. Although working out drains your energy temporarily but hey, in the long run it makes you all the more active and energised through the day. Once it becomes a habit, you’ll see for yourself. That feeling of being lethargic in between the day would start to seem like a faint memory.

Source

#3 Talking about memory, working out boosts it too

Your body becomes active and in turn so does your brain! With regular workouts, the human brain receives more energy and oxygen therefore making it function much better than the usual. Who knows, maybe one day you’d end up remembering your girlfriend’s birthday too!

Source

#4 It gives your self-confidence a big high

Well, that’s a self-explanatory fact. Once you become fit, you start loving yourself even more and that gives your self-confidence a major boost. Especially when you do start working out in your late twenties, your body transforms in unimaginable ways and you’re ready to kick some a**. JK. Don’t. Just be happy with the fact that you feel more confident than you ever have.

Source

#5 You get more immune to random diseases

You body obviously becomes healthier than before and you get more conscious about what you eat. It all leads to you becoming more immune to basic flu and random diseases. Though a regular workout doesn’t wipe away the fact that you cannot get sick, but the probability decreases in a substantial manner!

Source

#6 You start looking younger and better

If you start working out in your late twenties, boy oh boy, not just you, but your friends and family too will start appreciating the fact that you look better, younger and fitter. And hey, that’s the right time to impress your significant other with something new on you whilst taking the matters of life more seriously (if you know what we’re talking about here 😉 ).

Source

#7 You become a happier person

Everybody loves to be around happy people. If you’re a happy person already, imagine being that multiplied by ten! With all the points taken into consideration above, you won’t need a reason to be happy in life. So again, it’s never too late to start working out! Give yourself that chance and you’d know how wonderful life could be for you.

Source

PS – It’s a fact that 80% of the people who join a fitness program quit in the first three weeks. Don’t be that lazy sloth. Stick to it.

March 10, 2016
We bet all you dog lovers are going to be happy with the new order that Supreme Court has passed for stray dogs!

There have been a lot of problems going around that concerns stray dogs and looks like the Supreme Court has actually found a way out. A way that not only will let the stray dogs live for the rest of their lives but if worked out, it will also help them give a better and healthier life. Now, if you’re thinking what exactly did Supreme Court came up with? Well, the Supreme Court has passed an order that asks all the states to sterilize and vaccinate the stray dogs under the Animal Welfare Board of India’s supervision. If you ask us, or as a matter of fact, ask anyone, it’s better than killing them (when the Supreme Court allowed the municipal authorities to slay the stray dogs back in November, 2015) because that was never the answer. The Supreme Court has passed a temporary order on a petition of Animal rights groups.

Though the order is temporary take a look at the benefits the stray dogs will have!

#1 The stray dogs won’t be able to produce which means there will be reduction in stray litter.

#2 There’ll be a decline in cases of hit and run with dogs and pups which also mean less horrible deaths.

#3 Animal shelters won’t be flooded with severe cases which put them in a helpless spot.

#4 Vaccinated dogs won’t put anybody in danger.

#5 It will result in getting a better treatment from humans allowing them to have a chance of better life.

And being a dog or even an animal lover, if you know strays are happy, healthy and safe, what else could you ask for? The hearing of pleas which includes Animal Welfare Board of India’s petition will be held on 12^th July, 2016.

Featured image: source

In post images: source 1, source 2, source 3

March 9, 2016
In pictures: first look of Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2016

One of the most prestigious style extravaganzas to be held in the fashion capital, Mumbai, from 30^th March to 3rd April, 2016 is out with its first look and we can’t be more excited.

If you breathe in fashion and live in style – trust me you wouldn’t like to miss it for anything else in the world. Jointly organised by Lakme and IMG Fashion, the five-day long fashion fiesta, now entering its second decade, is set to redefine summer resort wardrobe once again. It is indeed the time we take notes of the do’s and don’ts strictly and don the summer of 2016 like a pro.

Platforming a unique amalgamation of international and home-grown designers together, the week will also see upcoming fashion designers showcasing their latest collections with some fresh style steals.

Here’s a sneak peek into its curtain raiser party. Stroll through a bunch of fashionistas, designers, models, socialites, television and movie stars coming together for a final go ahead. Remember! This is just the beginning.

Pictures by: Viral Bhayani

March 9, 2016
Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan stopped by at Radio Mirchi to promote Kapoor & Sons!

Radio Mirchi’s office was lit up yesterday and we have reasons to believe. Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan stopped by at Radio Mirchi for the promotion of their upcoming romantic / drama movie, Kapoor & Sons. The trio showed up looking pretty damn cool living up to our expectations!

What we absolutely loved was Sidharth Malhotra bringing back the denim-on-denim trend, dressed head to toe in American Swan. Now isn’t that the right outfit inspiration for men?

Kapoor & Sons is coming out on 18^thMarch, and from what we have noticed people are really excited! The pictures below can tell that their time spent at Radio Mirchi was fun! Take a look.

Pictures: Viral Bhayani

March 7, 2016
Tired of skin problems? This fruit mask-making machine from SeaSoul Cosmeceuticals has your solution

On the occasion of Women’s Day, SeaSoul Cosmeceuticals has unveiled the first ever fruit mask-machine in the country, that is guaranteed to make holistic healing of skincare problems effective and organic.

“This machine helps salons and spas blend the best of professional and home-like experiences for customers in India. They can extract fresh fruit and vegetable pulp in front of clients which gives them the assurance of natural goodness. In addition, one can combine these organic ingredients with Dead Sea Minerals and Collagen which activate the inherent healing properties of the fruits and vegetables. The final amalgamation gives better and more long lasting results to clients and leaves their skin feeling fresher and more lustrous,” said founder of SeaSoul Cosmeceuticals, Manisha Chopra.

This unique product can help beauty salon and spa owners make fresh masks for their clients, right before their eyes. This machine can be used to whip up extremely creative natural concoctions that can heal any skin-related issues and bring back the glow and lustre on your client’s face.

March 4, 2016
Here’s why everyone needs a bit of GENES by Lecoanet Hemant in their wardrobes

Designer Hemant Sagar recently hosted a preview of their label GENES – Lecoanet Hemant’s spring summer’16 collection and the event was an extravagant affair. The collection is a perfect mix of swinging sixties and the glorious seventies and every piece has a story to tell.

Hemant Sagar: The vibe like now, we got inspired by the iconic 60s and the spring 70s; a little bit of bell botts, the attitude of mixing past and present, mixing times that we know of parents, music that we know was only of vinyl and now it’s all digital. We’ve kinda jumped a generation, and the generation in between is what we’re looking at.

GENES by Lecoanet Hemant is the perfect representation of the urbanism that the people of India look for today. The label doesn’t cater to dressy occasions but in fact offers a whole lot of choices for one to dress up every day.

Hemant Sagar: We don’t actually cater to the very dressy occasions, we think that daily life has enough challenge to be dressed up also. We’re talking about daily chic…. so modern dressing is something different than sloppy dressing. It’s not just that you’re going to the office so you can be anyhow you still have your career to dress for so that’s what we’re talking about. Urban professionals living in Delhi today and making it happen for themselves.

March 4, 2016
What would you prefer, spending your afterlife in a coffin or in organic burial pods that’ll turn you into a tree?

Everybody wants to do something in their life that they’d be proud of, maybe bring a change in their life or someone else’s. But what if you could do it for the entire humanity and our mother Earth? That too even after you’re dead! Yes, it’s possible in many ways but the one we’re talking about here is something new and probably our favourite so far.

Source

What if we told you, in the near future you’d actually want to move on from coffins to organic burial pods? Before you confuse yourself, let us explain – an organic burial pod is somewhat like a big egg which can contain the body of the deceased, just like a baby in the womb. This new burial method conceptualised in Italy is called Capsula Mundi Project, and is the creation of designers Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel. The duo was inspired by their common interest and love for trees, which led them to create an organic, biodegradable burial pod. The remains of the deceased are used as nutrients, which help the tree to grow big and beautiful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suMes1XtrQk

It sounds like a beautiful way to be useful even after death but however; the organic burial pod is just a concept. If this project gets the green light, the goal here is to create cemeteries but full of trees and they’ll be known as ‘memory forests’. Are you excited to die? (Just kidding!)

Source

Talking about having a meaningful afterlife, there is this other way that can help you turn into a tree, it’s called the Bios Urn. The Bios Urn uses your ashes to turn into a tree. The process is quite simple and you can even choose what type of tree you want to grow into! You can know more at urnabios!

Source

March 4, 2016
DLF Emporio concludes the 4th edition of Design Awards 2015-16. And here are the highlights!

Brief: India’s first and finest luxury destination, DLF Emporio, recently concluded the 4th edition of Design Awards 2015-16 announcing the winners of the annual design extravaganza.

The awards witnessed entries from both National and International fashion institutes with 23 candidates shortlisted by the designer Gaurav Gupta. These young and uber-talented minds took inspiration from fashion legends like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and the classics of the 1900’s.

Adding to the final round up, the 5 member jury panel assessed the shortlisted designs while announcing the final winners. These esteemed members of the jury comprised names that included Bandana Tewari – Vogue fashion features director, FDCI president Sunil Sethi, ace designer Gaurav Gupta, veteran fashion designer Ritu Kumar and Senior Vice President, DLF Luxury Retail and Hospitality Dinaz Madhukar.

Take a look at the list of winners:

Apparel : Karan Torani (Pearl Academy,Delhi),

Runner-Up: Bhawdeep Singh (INIFD,Ludhiana).

Accessory : Winner – Aishwarya Jain (IIGJ,Delhi),

Runner-Up : Ashish Sahu ( NIFT,Gandhinagar).

People’s Choice : Sherry Khanna ( NIFT, raebareli).

To kick-start the careers of these winners, these students will now be given a chance to design and retail their collection at the DLF Emporio through an exclusive pop-up store for a period of 2 weeks in Delhi.

March 1, 2016