Goa rolls out ramp for India Beach Fashion Week

A melange of designers are geared up to show their creativity in resort, swim, beach and cruise clothing at the first edition of Gionee Smartphones India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW), starting here Thursday.

The event, to be held at Grand Mercure, Candolim here, is conceptualised and owned by UVAR Global. It will witness destination wedding wear and resort wear from over 30 of the finest couturiers in India.

The participating names include the grand masters of the Indian fashion industry like Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor, Anupamaa Dayal, Babita Malkani, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Komal Sood, James Ferreira, Nachiket Barve, Pria Kataaria Puri, Raakesh Agarvwal, Rimple and Harpreet Narula among others.

Well known designer-duo Falguni and Shane Peacock will be the grand finale designers at the event and will showcase their collection focusing on destination bride.

“We endeavour to create a platform where designers can showcase their collections exclusively for beach or cruise wear and destination bride for which there is a great demand but remains unexplored. IBFW provides this potent mix by fusing fashion with luxury, sun kissed beaches and music,” said IBFW co-founder and chief creative officer Pallav Ojha.

The event will also provide an opportunity to young fashion talent to showcase their artistic vision alongside the stalwarts through a joint initiative with Talent House, an online platform where artists from all over the globe engage for creative collaboration in the fields of film, fashion, art, photography and music. This initiative is in partnership with students of Rachana Sansad School of Fashion Design and Technology.

One will also witness 50 pop-up shops, foot-tapping live music and three luxe post-parties juxtaposed to keep attendees entertained and satiated. If you are a shopaholic, you can also browse and buy the finest designer wear and accessories.

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Drape yourself well in sari to look slim

A sari is known to be one of the most flattering pieces of clothing and can make you look visibly slender, if worn right and chosen well.

Experts from FashionAndYou, a flash website in the fashion and lifestyle space, share tips on how to step up your style in a sari:

* Choose the right material: The fabric of the sari plays a key role in helping you hide your body’s flaws. Georgette, chiffon and crepe are the ideal materials to opt for. They stick closer to the body and help you look slimmer. Avoid fabrics like silk, kanjivaram, cotton and tissue as these tend to make you look fuller.

* Drape it tight: If you drape your sari loosely, you will unwittingly add volume to your look. Tie it perfectly and a little tightly for that beautifully thin appearance.

* Limit the pleats: Few of us know this, but adding more pleats to your sari can actually nullify the slimming effects of the six-yards of grace. Go in for lesser pleats for a sexier appeal.

* Minimise the borders: For shorter or stockier women, it is always recommended to go for saris with minimal borders. Broad borders tend to make you look bigger. If your main objective of wearing a sari is to look thinner then it would be ideal to opt for a sari that has no border at all.

* Choose darker colours: The shade of sari that you choose to wear also has a large part in bringing out the slimming effects of the drape. Go in for darker colours as they camouflage your flaws and attract more attention to your face.

* Pick the perfect prints: For those on the heavier side, it is advisable to steer clear of large prints or motifs. Go for delicate work on the saree for a trimmer and more feminine look. Big prints across the sari may look glam, but they also make you look plumper and put your not-so-flattering areas under the spotlight, which, of course is a complete no-no.

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Gauri Khan talks about collaboration with Satya Paul and inspiration behind her debut

This year marks the 30th anniversary of one of the most iconic designer labels in the country. Looking to make it a memorable one, Satya Paul has now collaborated with celebrity interior designer and film producer Gauri Khan for their Spring-Summer 2015 collection. Until recently, the brand’s creative team was steered by fashion designer Masaba Gupta and her last collection, “Disney MonoPop”, is still fresh in memory.

A fashionista in her own right — whose love for bodycon dresses and animal prints is well known — Gauri Khan’s debut collection is called ‘A Tropical Wonder’. Ask her about the inspiration behind the collection and Gauri Khan says, “Balancing the workplace and home while pursuing creative channels has kept me busy for a while. I think that’s what triggered the idea of this collection. I wanted to recreate that ease and fantasy that a holiday promises.”

Developed along the lines of a cruise collection, “A Tropical Wonder” explores exotic prints which have been rendered on casual and occasional wear separates such as sheer tunics, flowing kaftans, shift dresses and fluid saris. The colour palette, true to the theme, brings in a mix of aqua tones, breezy pastels and fresh citrus hues interpreted in the brand’s signature style of abstract art and digital painting.

For the collection, Bollywood’s first lady admits she dipped into her own wardrobe. “The collection showcases a distinctive aspect of my own personal style which is pared down, comfortable yet very feminine. Satya Paul has a unique take on design and through this collection I wanted to showcase a more effortless side to the brand,” says Khan. She even features in the advertising campaign for Spring-Summer 2015 wearing saris from the line.

While Gauri Khan is non-committal on whether she plans to launch her own fashion label some day, this year-long association with the brand will hopefully result in more than one collection. “I think this year has a lot of interesting projects lined up and at this point I’m excited to see what comes of leading the design direction at Satya Paul,” she says.

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Makeup tips: How to avoid the cakey look

Layers of wrongly chosen makeup can make you end up looking cakey. Get your hands on the right make-up base to look flawless, says an expert.

“Every skin type is different. You have different foundations for fair, light and medium skin tone; again it is categorized into dry, oily and combination skin. Getting your base right is very important,” make-up artist Annalia Zhimomi told IANS.

She says for dry flaky skin, don’t use powder.
“Creme based or a liquid foundation rich in moisture is perfect for dry flaky skin. Use it with the help of a moist sponge. This will keep the dry skin in place and give a smooth finish. Any other way of applying foundation for dry skin will lead to flaking of the skin,” she warned.

Women with normal to combination skin, can also use creme or liquid foundation. Again, a moist sponge will be helpful. Then seal your foundation with the help of loose or pressed powder. This will help your foundation to last all day.

Those with oily skin should apply foundation with the help of a buffing (for medium to full coverage) or stippling brush (if its less coverage) in circulation motion, she suggests.

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7 make-up fixes you couldn't have imagined

Every woman is spoilt for choice when it comes to make-up items. A considerable number of us not-born-with-a-platinum-spoon-in-our-mouths lust for that extremely unaffordable gel eyeliner or the perfect shade of lipstick that will burn a hole in our pockets. And making peace with make-up issues is just an unending process. Then there are those moments when no matter how many times and for how long your mirror says, 'You're the fairest of them all', you have that nagging worry that the eye-shadow is a tad darker than what you'd have wanted it to be and so on.

In the midst of our daily to-dos, make-up fixes are as essential as - to certain people - breathing. To others, too, who can afford to be a bit relaxed on the make-up front, some quick fixes are pretty essential. We present to you seven such make-up fixes, which are bound to leave you surprised.

The mascara application
Yes, we know what the guidelines on the mascara tube say. But there's no need to follow all the rules, is there? SO, do it the opposite way. Instead of applying your mascara upwards, use the brush downwards, towards your nose. Not only will your eyes look bigger, you'll lashes will look heavier, too!

No gel eyeliner? Create one!
Gel eyeliners, more often than not, are somewhat expensive than their less fortunate cousins, the pencil eyeliners. To get the gel eyeliner look, simply hold the tip of the pencil eyeliner under a flame, let it cool for a while, and bingo! You have the intense gel-like eyeliner ready.

The perfume problem
Not sure how to wear your perfume before stepping out? There are a few pulse points that will help retain the perfume longer than if you were to douse yourself with it. Try spraying the scent behind your ear lobes, at the base of your neck, inside your wrist, inside the elbow. The trick is to target the joints, since the friction at your joints will make sure the perfume  hits the air more frequently, but doesn't wear off soon.

Don't throw away your wands!
The mascara brush is not to be thrown away. Since these are of various kinds, wash them properly once their primary task is done with, and store them to brush your eyebrows. A mini-comb for your eyebrows. You can use a brush for a different mascara, too.

Lipstick to hide those undereye circles
The newest fad to hit the internet, courtesy makeup mavens, is that of using lipstick to conceal undereye dark circles. Use an orangish-red lipstick to hide the dark patches under your eye; and once you apply the lipstick, use the concealer. And see your dark circles vanish!

Finger in the mouth
So, every single time you put on lipstick, and press them together, your teeth ends up with some of the colour? The next time you apply lipstick, put a finger inside your mouth right after you're done with the lipstick application. Pull the finger out, and out comes with it the excess lip colour.

Heat it up
While using an eyelash-curler, make sure you hold it in front of a blow drier for a while. Once the curler is heated somewhat, use it to curl your eyelashes. The heat will make the curl stay on longer.

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No age for love: Big B and Jaya Bachchan coordinate style at a recent event

When it comes to love, then there really seems to be no age.

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan made a fashion statement as he stepped out with his wife Jaya Bachchan.

The two made an appearance at an event organised by The Film Heritage Foundation where the superstar was made the face of an initiative to save cinematic marvels from getting lost with time.

It was rather interesting to see that the two coordinated their accessories by taking floral picks. While Mr. Bachchan opted for a floral shawl, Mrs. Bachchan rocked a floral purse.

The couple is no strangers to such subtly coordinated style. In the past too, they have been spotted wearing outfits coordinated in a similar manner like the time they both wore red and black at Big B's 70th birthday party.

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Katrina Kaif shares the secrets behind her youthful skin

Known for her milk and roses complexion, actress Katrina Kaif recently divulged the secrets behind her youthful skin.

Don't take your skin for granted, said the actress, who believes in the use of sunscreen, right intake of water and ensures that her makeup is removed well. She also added that women must take care of their body and skin according to their age.

"We shouldn't take our skin for granted, especially since we are often exposed to dirt, heat and pollution daily. We should never underestimate the need for a sunscreen to protect your skin from strong UV rays," the 31-year-old told IANS in an email interview.

"Through the day I drink lots of fluids, especially water to have my face feel fresh and hydrated. I always remove my makeup once I'm home for the day/night and use a moisturiser to not let my skin dry, even when I'm at home," she added.

Currently a brand ambassador for L'Oreal Paris's Skin Perfect range that addresses the skincare needs specific to that age Katrina also said, "Every decade in a woman's life comes with a changing set of priorities. It also comes with a changing set of skincare needs. L'Oreal Paris is addressing these needs of every Indian woman who might be prone to skin problems at some point in her life."

Katrina agrees that while women are asked to take care of their skin with home remedies and traditional beauty products in addition to maintaining healthy food habits, from a young age, she stresses on the need to use special products later in life.

"As we grow older, the demands of a hectic lifestyle take a toll on your body and your skin. This is why, it is essential to use products that replenish the vitality of your skin. Through its Skin Perfect range, L'Oreal Paris has personalised skincare for every age group, making it easy for Indian consumers to improve their skin tone leaving it with a healthy glow," she added.

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Do you need a cleansing device?

If face washes and scrubs are not enough, a range of cleansing brushes and devices are available in the market that promise to offer deep yet gentle cleaning, targetting the oft-missed spots. Devices by brands such as Neutrogena, Clarisonic and Clinique amongst others claim to not just clean the skin, but tone the face, get rid of dryness and help the lotions sink in and work faster. These product-boosting devices are said to help increase absorption of serums, cleansers and moisturizers, while providing a mini-massage. But do they really work?

OFFERS QUICK MINI FACIAL
Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, MD skin, Dr Trasi's Clinic & La Piel says these devices are good and help in providing no touch service to the clients face avoiding the chances of skin infections. And yes these are effective. "It helps in reducing the oiliness in the skin and removes the dirt. Those more than 30 years old should not use these devices very often as the skin can get drier and lose moisture. Instead, a hydrating mini massage is advisable once in two months depending on the skin texture. These devices are good for quick, rapid, home use, power facials at the client's convenience. However, not all types of skin can use the same device," she says.

USE WITH CARE
Dr Geeta Oberoi, dermatologist and founder of Skin and You clinic says these devices help with in-house mild exfoliation but if the device is used incorrectly or with pressure it can cause damage to the skin. "Once a week exfoliation is enough but there are many gentle creams and cleansers available that are safer for home use. Excess exfoliation can strip the skin and one sees a lot of pigmentation in Asian skin caused by excess rubbing. Some of these use ultrasound waves to help with absorption of creams and lotions but most of these devices are weak and on non-prepared skin without the right solutions the devices will not show much effect. Careful use and understanding of pre and post skin preparation is important," she adds.

Dr SS Trasi, leading dermatologist, Dr Trasi's Clinic, feels mechanical cleansing devices can cause trauma to the skin. "If used very frequently then they can cause trauma to the basal layer of the skin. It causes pigmentary incontinence resulting in permanent greying of skin. This condition is permanent and no amount of cream or applications can resolve it. I have seen patients with such skin damage and I advise that such devices should not be used on the face. If at all they are used, the user should make sure the product is clinically tried and tested."

HELPS TO UNCLOG PORES
Dr Jaishree Sharad, dermatologist, Skininfinity, explains that these devices help to unclog pores, exfoliate gently and remove all the dead skin, dirt and grime. "They can be used once a week for normal to dry skin and twice a week for oily skin. The mesoporation or electroporation technology helps in better penetration of vitamins in to the skin," she says.

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Check partner’s fingers as you kneel to propose

Have a good look at your partner’s fingers during the ring ceremony as men with short index fingers and long ring fingers are nicer towards women, says a study.

This unexpected phenomenon stems from the hormones these men have been exposed to in their mother’s womb, say researchers from McGill University. The findings may also help explain why these men tend to have more children.

“It is fascinating to see that moderate variations of hormones before birth can actually influence adult behaviour in a selective way,” said Simon Young, McGill Emeritus Professor in psychiatry and co-author of the study.

The study shows a link between a biological event in foetal life and adult behaviour. Men’s index fingers are generally shorter than their ring fingers and this difference is less pronounced in women.
Previous research has found that digit ratio – defined as the second digit length divided by the fourth digit length – is an indication of the amount of male hormones (mainly testosterone) that someone has been exposed to as a foetus.

The smaller the ratio, the more male hormones. The study suggests that this has an impact on how grown up men behave especially with women.

“When with women, men with smaller ratios were more likely to listen attentively, smile and laugh, compromise or compliment the other person,” said Debbie Moskowitz, lead author and professor of psychology.

These men were also less quarrelsome with women than with men, whereas the men with larger ratios were equally quarrelsome with both.

Although for women, digit ratio variation failed to predict their behaviour, researchers said.
“Our research suggests these men have more harmonious relationships with women. This might explain why they have more children on average”, the authors said.

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Everything You Know About Kissing Is Wrong

Everyone enjoys that precious moment of intimacy when they lock lips with their sweetheart! However, other than being the most common expression of love and the stepping stone towards more elaborate love making, there are many other advantages of kissing that you might not know. So, take a look at many health and other exciting benefits behind kissing your partner.

Makes you happier
We occassionally fall prey to the phases of feeling low, when our confidence seems to have dipped considerably. At that point, an intense kiss can work wonders. By immediately uplifting your spirit, kissing makes you feel appreciated. It tells you that no matter what, you have someone to depend upon.

Brings you close to your partner
Our hectic schedules often leave us devoid of sufficient time to express how thankful we are for being in a committed relationship. Kissing your beloved is the easiest, least time-consuming and instant way of assuring your partner that your love is still alive.

Conditions your heart
Kissing your partner releases adrenaline, along with many other hormones in your body. These hormones in turn stimulate blood circulation in the body. This is a good workout for your heart. This also helps in conditioning your cardiac muscles and regulating blood pressure.

Helps you relieve stress
Call it anxiety or stress, personal and professional lives can be very demanding at times. In such scenarios, passionate kissing is the best solution. The act of kissing releases endorphins, which are the ‘feel good’ hormones in our body. It also decreases the cortisol, which is the 'stress' hormone. So, if you are feeling stressed then just take your partner in your arms and steal a kiss!

Gets rid of pain
Other than the happy hormones and adrenaline, kissing also releases oxytocin, dopamine and phenylethylamine in the body. These hormones give you feelings of pleasure, along with reducing your pain. Also, these neurotransmitters gives you a feeling of euphoria. So, if you experience an headache then just lean towards your partner for a lip-lock.

Exercises your face, makes it radiant
Medical studies have substantiated that kissing engages nearly 30-34 facial muscles. The face remains one of the biggest gymming challenges, with a paucity of exercises that can employ the facial muscles. Kissing helps to tighten and tone these muscles, ensuring that your youthful looks are sustained for a longer time. Also, by boosting blood circulation and releasing endorphins, kissing gives you a radiant skin.

Burns calories
Other than being an exercise for your face, kissing is good for your entire body as well. Well, kissing will not burn as many calories as walking, but still it is better than being sedentary. Kissing burns about 2 to 3 calories per minute. So, next time when you are just lazing on your couch, move into your partner’s arms for an impromptu and passionate workout.

Augments your immunity
Kissing is a great vaccination! Yes, those who kiss more often are less likely to fall ill. During kissing, our body secretes antibodies that boost the body’s immune system. So, kissing would not only make your relationship last long, but will also make you live longer.

Makes intimacy more passionate
Kissing is seen as a precursor to love making. A passionate kiss can not only lead you into the action, but can also make it more exciting. Kissing passionately helps to ignite feelings of passion, helping you reconnect with your lover at the psychological level, making sex more enjoyable.

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