The Power Suit Girls | Style Files
If there is one statement look and trend that I swear by, it's the 'Pant-Suit' or 'Power Suit'. I can literally have them in every colour, texture and silhouette! Luckily for us, gone are the days when suits only meant stiff fabrics, straight fit trousers and corporate styled blazers, in not more than three colours - black, grey and brown (whatever happened to variance). Power suits have taken the spotlight, with celebrities opting to experiment and bring their a-game on the red carpet in brighter colours, relaxed silhouettes, and easy-going luxe blazers.
Power suits are all about comfort, and oozing that boss girl vibe with panache! Personally, I like making trips to Zara, Massimo Dutti and Mango to get my hands on some interesting Pant Suits. There are some interesting labels, e-commerce start ups and designers who have given their own interesting spin to this powerful outfit!
Let's take a look at how some of our favourite celebrities have rocked this power packed outfit in the past, and take notes on how you can put together the perfect look for office hours.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Bollywood's very own female actors have sported the pant suit at multiple occasions, taking it from day to night, formal occasions to casual brunch dates and bringing their own unique twist to every look. From Sonam Kapoor Ahuja's chic pink Calvin Klein suit to Deepika Padukone's edgy purple Mao suit; the divas have showed us that the pant suit is versatile and how! Pair it with a crisp white shirt like Sonam, a bold sheer blouse like PeeCee or go for a bandeau top like Bebo to show off your abs. There is a look made in fashion heaven for everyone!
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Neutral tones, sculpted shoulders, tuxedo style and edgy oversized; international superstars, models and actors have showed their liking for the outfit at a variety of events. Most prefer to keep the overall look minimalistic, while letting the outfit boss up and do the talking. The outfit has not only been restricted to glamming it up at red carpet events, but has also been viewed as part of fashion liberation. Lady Gaga chose a billowing, over-sized suit, as she delivered a strong and impactful message at the Elle 25th annual women in Hollywood (October 2018), where she delivered a powerful speech on her experience with mental health struggles and sexual assault, while concluding - "Today, I wear the suit." Many celebrities have chosen to put a powerful foot forward and made a statement with their choice of outfit!
Gigi Hadid, Lady Gaga and Rihanna
Emma Watson, Zendaya, Victoria Beckham
Are you a fan of power suits? What's your favourite look?
Join the conversation by leaving a comment below or follow us on
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Love,
The Dancebee
Tips to reduce Period Pain | Let's Talk about Periods
As women, we go through the monthly grind of tracking our period dates, experiencing mood swings during the time of PMS and what follows is obviously the real deal - your monthly cycle of periods. Every human body is different, so what your mother or sibling experiences during her monthly cycle may not be the same for you and vice versa. While pre and during menstrual cycle symptoms differ from person to person - including acne, bloating, tender breasts, massive change in mood (ranging from anger, irritation, feeling lethargic to emotional) and some even tend to fall severely sick with cold, fever. However, period cramps and pain is something that we all experience.
While the nature of pain, it's level and pain points may be different, what's constant is the discomfort experienced during the cycle. It does get difficult to focus on work and other commitments, especially during the first 2-3 days, when the heavy flow coupled with pain pushes an individual to the edge. While some people prefer popping an OTC medicine, many of us don't like to take any pills. Several women experience excruciating pain, while some simply have muscular pains / cramps on the first day. Period pain differs from person to person, depending upon personal health and lifestyle. There's a lot to it than what meets the eye, so if anyone suffers from any form of pain that is impossible to handle, one must visit their doctor / gynaecologist and get this discussed.
I've always used this platform to share my own experiences. So, why not this? Starting today, our new series - "Let's Talk about Periods' will feature posts that focus on personal thoughts, remedies, and anecdotes related to a topic that is something that we all - as women - experience. The idea stemmed from an incident, where I realised how even in 2019, people go red or shut their ears when someone speaks about pads, sanitary hygiene and periods on a public platform. In a country that still considers 'menstruation' as a taboo and something which shouldn't be spoken about on a larger platform. We need more discussions on something as basic as a period cycle, and share our thoughts, which can help other women, especially young girls, with the required knowledge.
Let's kick off the first post, where I discuss personally tried and tested tips, which help me ease the discomfort during a period cycle
Drink ample of Water
Many of you may find this to be a cliched. But, we don't realise the importance of water and it's miracles enough. Lack of water tends to make the body feel more sluggish and can lead to mental stress. Drinking enough water (at least 2-3 litres), especially during your cycle, will not only keep you hydrated, but also ensure that the toxins are flushed out and eases out bloating. I always carry a bottle of water with me, wherever I go. It helps during long hours spent in traffic, and drinking water in regular intervals also ensures that the body functions perfectly.
Exercise - be it in any form!
A lot of us feel it's too much of an effort to drag ourselves and work out, especially when in pain. But, I've realised that nothing can help me distract from those cramps, quite like exercising does. Over time, I've seen the effect it has on the pain, as the endorphins released from the body does an excellent job at pain management. Plus, it supports proper flow of blood in the body, makes you feel happier from within, and throws out all the stress, tightness, making your body feel more flexible and light. Of course, you may want to give certain forms a miss if it gets too uncomfortable, but I personally love dancing, light running, yoga free hand exercises, and aerobics.
Take a hot water shower or bath
I am more of a bucket bath person, as I don't like wasting water. However, I love opting for hot water baths during the period cycle. Sometimes, I even add essential oils or use a refreshing shower gel to pamper myself. Such little efforts contribute to easing those cramps, and also helps release any form of stress, sluggishness or pain. Application of heat is known to benefit cramps quite well. One can even opt for a hot water bag, if the pain is intense.
Love me some Chamomile & Ginger Tea
During the monthly cycle, I usually prefer to have my regular cup of tea with ginger (and even on other days - as I cannot have plain tea). While I have ginger or masala tea in the morning, evenings are reserved for Chamomile tea. The anti-inflammatory properties in this tea helps ease cramps to a large extent. After a long tiring day at work, a hot cup of chamomile tea takes away all the stress, calms the mind and helps ensure I sleep well. This is has been one of my personal favourite picks, and I highly recommend that you try Chamomile tea as well.
Keep an eye on your Diet
This is crucial! During the period cycle, one tends to feel more inclined towards eating a lot of fried, cheesy or junk fast food items. Plus, midnight cravings push you to explore the dessert section, and hog on chocolates, pastries a little more often. I have a massive sweet tooth, and do have the cravings for sweets during my period cycle. However, I try to limit my chocolate intake, and usually opt for dark chocolate. Also, eating fresh fruits and / or green leafy veggies is a major plus. Your body needs food items that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc and calcium. I don't drink or smoke (and I've firmly stood by that ethic), but for those who do, it is recommended that you avoid indulging in these habits during the menstrual cycle.
Take time out for yourself
Light some aromatherapy candles, listen to good music, watch your favourite show or just gentle massage some of the pain points with a gentle, fragrant massage oil. Take a long walk or read a book. It is important that you take some time out for yourself and indulge in things that you love or like. It can just be spending a few minutes talking calmly with your loved ones. I always ensure that I prioritise myself and my health during the period cycle. Everybody deserves some 'me' time, and you taking time out and switching off for sometime is a must!
I hope some of these personally tried and tested tips help you during the next period cycle. These are small ways in which some part of the discomfort can be eased. Of course, you will always have OTC medicines, balms, stick on pain bandages and heat bags as an aid. But, these little things are important to ensure that your body feels light, fresh and stress-free. Periods should not hold you back from doing what you love! Let it become a part of your routine, and live each day with great positivity.
Do share your tips and recommendations to ease period pain in the comment box below, or join the conversation on
Love,
The Dancebee
Beauty on a Budget | Top Nude Lipsticks under Rs 500
Who doesn't love affordable lipsticks, that offers the perfect blend of good quality, pay off and the right tint? Especially post all the festive season shopping binge, when you need to stock up on a good lipstick, without burning a hole in your pocket! Well, here's our special series 'Beauty on a Budget' back to your rescue. Beauty on a Budget is back and this time, the spotlight is on a hot favourite among subtle shade lovers - The Nude Lipstick. The perfect office look or a stylish outfit for an important meeting is incomplete without a natural effortless nude lip colour. While bright colours always enjoy their moment under the spotlight, the nude lipstick is an under-rated warrior, that's a must have in every make up arsenal. Here's a round up of the best budget nude lipsticks under 500 INR (in no particular order). These are tried, tested and approved by Team Dancebee. So, get ready to fill your shopping cart with these budget beauty top picks.
Lakme 9 to 5 Matte Lip Color
Shade: Nude Touch
Price: Rs 359 (available on discount)
What we love: Subtle, natural shade for work meetings. Matte finish lasts quite well (approximately 4-5 hours), and doesn't appear too dry.
What we love: The most affordable lipstick on this list! Decent colour pay off, good finish and easy to apply. For the price of a single way rickshaw fare to Bandra, this one's quite a good buy.
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick
Shade: Nude Nuance
Price: Rs 298 (available on discount)
Shop Here
What we love: Our favourite pick! A mousse textured lip colour, that comes with dual benefits of a cheek colour. Light, smooth and very pigmented; this product is a must have for every nude lip lover! Lasts quite long, and does not transfer. Oh, and the colour looks really good.
Shop Here
What we love: Buttery, smooth and quite easy to apply. This creamy matte lipstick is perfect to perk up any simple outfit. Good packaging and quality at a decent price!
Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Lip & Cheek Color
Shade: Blush Velvet
Price: Rs 295 (available on discount)
What we love: Our favourite pick! A mousse textured lip colour, that comes with dual benefits of a cheek colour. Light, smooth and very pigmented; this product is a must have for every nude lip lover! Lasts quite long, and does not transfer. Oh, and the colour looks really good.
Elle 18 Color Pops Matte Lipstick
Shade: N51 Nude Fix
Price: Rs 98 (available on discount)
What we love: The most affordable lipstick on this list! Decent colour pay off, good finish and easy to apply. For the price of a single way rickshaw fare to Bandra, this one's quite a good buy.
Lakme 9 to 5 Primer and Matte Lip Color
Shade: Blushing Nude
Price: Rs 375 (available on discount)
What we love: Makes your lips 'blush', quite literally! We love this nude shade with pinkish tones, which is apt for a lovely brunches in between work or a date. This classy colour is a must have in every bag, and is quite affordable too! Good pay off, glides on smoothly and lasts really well.
So, what's your favourite pick for the festive season?
Join the conversation on
Love,
The Dancebee
Birthday Special | Inspiring Quotes by Shah Rukh Khan
From James Cameron praising his performance to Will Smith swearing by his filmography and a range of Hollywood as well as Bollywood's finest celebrities looking up to him as one of the greatest actors of all time - there is no denying the fact that Shah Rukh Khan's enjoys a incredible popularity across the globe amongst cinephiles. Oh, and his fanbase? The actor's reach goes way beyond the streets of India, as fans from across the globe skip a heartbeat, every time he waves at them or does the 'signature SRK style' pose. Fans go berserk at the mere mention of his name! The euphoria that one can witness outside his house - the stunning seaside Bungalow 'Mannat' - on his birthday (and other important festivals like Eid) is incomparable. Truly, a superstar like no other! As the Badshah of Bollywood celebrates his birthday today and turns 54, we take a look at some of his most inspiring, and witty quotes, sourced from our interview archives with the actor.
From all of us at Team Dancebee - here's wishing Shah Rukh Khan a very Happy Birthday! Here's to dominating as the Badshah, delivering impeccable performances, and winning our hearts; one memorable character at a time.
Are you a die-hard SRK fan? What's your favourite film starring Mr Khan? Join the conversation on
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Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat | Instagram | YouTube
Love,
The Dancebee
Birthday Special | Top 10 Films We Love - Shah Rukh Khan
Almost every second girl born in the 90s will tell you, "Uff! He was/is my first crush." Most of us have seen numerous movies starring this charismatic actor. Most of them on repeat (and now, even on Netflix). There is no limit to the fan mania and buzz surrounding him. The actor, who has graced several magazine covers (including Time) and has got a room full of awards, turns 54 today. And even after all that 'crazy' love from more than a million fans and endless compliments for his performances, one thing remains the same - His smile, those dimples, the signature air hug pose and his down to earth nature. Yes, we are talking about none other than, the birthday boy - Shah Rukh Khan. Naam toh suna hi hoga!
While zeroing down to 'just' ten films was a mammoth task, we managed to list down some of our favourites, that we can never get enough of.
1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
Any conversation related to King Khan is incomplete without this gem of a film. The fact that most film lovers still can't get enough of DDLJ is the reason why it holds the record of being the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema. There is no one who hasn't enjoyed swaying to the tunes of Zara jhoom loon main and loved Rahul's antics throughout the film. Raise your hands if you couldn't stop going 'Aww' when Rahul says 'Palat' or observes a Karva Chauth fast for Simran. C'mon, just how brilliant was SRK in this one?
2. Devdas
One of my favourite performances by Khan, Devdas was all things beautiful. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama was one such film, where we saw Khan stepping out of his comfort zone and portraying a character that has earlier been impeccably essayed by Dilip Kumar saab. But, despite the remake tag, Khan gracefully stepped into the shoes of Devdas and presented an award winning performance. The climax and Devdas' downfall is enough to give you goosebumps and a few tears. Tissues, anyone?
3. Kal Ho Na Ho
If Devdas made you shed a few tears, be prepared to cry bucket loads in Nikhil Advani's Kal Ho Na Ho. How can anyone not fall for the chirpy and fun loving Aman Mathur. Khan earned accolades for his portrayal of this young man, who is a terminally ill patient. Remember the popular dialogue - "Naina, kaash mein tumhe bataa sakta, mein tumhe kitna chahta hun. I love you, I love you very, very much Naina." Who else spotted several people crying in the theatre, while shedding a tear or two? Also, who can forget the immortal 'Kantaben' and her chronicles. A lovely rom-com with tons of emotional moments, and an unforgettable performance by Khan. That climax was literally 'to die' for.
4. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
I have lost count of the times I have seen this film and it is almost impossible to believe the fact that KKHH completed nineteen years in 2017. Rahul and Anjali (played by Khan and Kajol respectively) are one of my most favourite Bollywood on-screen couples, and needless to say, they were absolutely adorable. Not to forget, Rahul's attire in the film became quite a rage way back in 1998. Those GAP sweatshirts, silver chains with a pendant bearing the initials 'cool' and figure hugging Polo Sport tees were everywhere. There are endless memorable moments and dialogues in the film, but how can we miss - "Hum ek baar jeete hain, ek baar marte hain. Shaadi bhi ek hi baar hoti hai, aur pyaar, pyaar bhi ek hi baar hota hai."
5. Swades
While most cine-goers termed this film as 'passable', I think this is one of Khan's most under-rated performances till date. This Ashutosh Gowariker film was quiet ahead of it's time and showcased the reality of rural India in an amazing way. SRK's portrayal of Mohan Bhargav was brilliant and once again, showed a different side of his acting ability. The change from a mineral water loving NRI to someone, who is willing to go all out for his village folks, was a treat to watch. The most poignant moment? Undoubtedly, the water scene at a station. It is hands down one of the best scenes in recent times.
6. Mohabbatein
*violins playing in the background* "Maine aaj tak sirf ek hi ladki se mohabbat ki hai. Aur zindagi bhar, sirf us hi se karta rahoonga." The autumn leaves and turtle neck knit sweaters will instantly remind you of the loveable - Raj Aryan. Be it those eyes that long for Megha or the effervescent personality and charming style with which he played the violin, Khan made Raj Aryan look every bit the lover boy that he was. The film may not have earned him awards (except a few critics choice trophies), but his depiction of Raj surely made its way into our heart.
7. Dil Toh Pagal Hain
Music, camera and spotlight! Voila, the teaser promo of Dil Toh Pagal Hain created a frenzy among every Yash Chopra and SRK fan (I must have been just four or five-years-old around that time, but can never forget the hysteria that was DTPH). I remember watching the film thrice in a theater, only because of my love for dance and to witness Nisha (Karisma Kapoor) - Rahul's adorable chemistry. But hey, we must give it to Rahul, who in his quest for 'Maya', realises what true love can actually do. Incredible songs, fabulous choreography and a top notch performance by SRK (and others too), what's not to love here?
8. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
How can we ignore Rahul Raichand and his funny ways of winning Anjali's heart? Despite the star studded cast and growing popularity of Hrithik Roshan around the same time, Khan stole the show with Kajol in this one. Ever noticed how Rahul can't stop nagging throughout the film - "No drinking, no smoking! No der se aana aur yahan se jitna jaldi ho chale jaana," - or the hilarious arguments that he just doesn't seem to win against 'Poo'? Rahul was the perfect husband, son, brother-in-law and brother, any family could ever ask for. This family material guy was exceptionally essayed by Khan, who added his own charm to the character with his excellent, natural dialogue delivery.
9. Veer Zaara
Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh. Sigh! This man. Another one of my personal favorite performances (and film) happens to be this. Khan's natural emotions, expressions, body language and attitude makes this character extremely special. One just can't take their eyes off the actor when he walks around in this uniform. He looked stylish in those new golden hair streaks, brown leather jackets, ray-ban aviators and well fitted pathani suits. And what do I say about the ease with which he delivered this splendid performance? Look into those eyes and any girl would melt when Veer says - "Sarhad paar ek aisa shaks hai, joh aapke liye apni jaan bhi de dega." Play this film and watch a hundred girls go 'Haaye' already.
10. Chak De! India
Reserved the best for the last. One of my favourite films, Chak De! India not only made thousands of Indians rekindle their love for Hockey, but also presented Khan's career best performance. Just look at that fine act. Only a seasoned actor, who has always worked hard to ace every scene, can put life and soul into a character like Kabir Khan. Every time I watch this film, I just can't stop raving about Khan's performance and the way he has displayed varied emotions in a span of 153 minutes. Forget the 70 minute speech, it was like Khan took an oath himself to make sure that "Ki yeh 153 usse koi nahi cheen sakta." Though the girls may have got their share of accolades, it was Khan's powerful performance that won many hearts. Watch the scene where Khan can't believe his eyes and tries to sink in the feeling that India has indeed won the World Cup, and you will know what we are talking about. My only regret - Khan didn't get the National Award for this well deserved, flawless performance.
Special Mention: Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa - One of SRK's early films. Despite experimenting with different genres, Khan left a mark in this heart warming, beautiful tale, with an adorable performance.
Khan and his 'Must watch' list of films is quite an endless one. Om Shanti Om was cute, and so was Main Hoon Na. The actor is surely best with the highest number of memorable films and on this day, we pray that he keeps entertaining us with unforgettable performances in the years to come.
Happy Birthday SRK!!!
What's your favourite film starring King Khan? Let us know in the comment box below or join the conversation on
Love,
The Dancebee
