(Photo:graduation gowns)Monsoon and fashion share a bitter-sweet bond. The rain brings with it a sense of confusion about how to dress. Do away with the anxiety by adopting earthy neutrals that reflect all things natural.

As the clouds start pouring and streets turn into canals of Venice, our cheerful summer wardrobe instantly starts morphing into a melange of muted shades camou flaging the intense post monsoon landscape.

Unleash the Euro pean in you and pull out the greys, blacks and browns. Think a deeper palette of brick red, terracotta, coffee, teal, olive green and vintage, washed-out dusty pastels and urban greys like pewter, slate etc. “Muted shades are not only dirtfriendly, but also conceal humidity and sweat stains along with unwanted splatter of mud and random puddle attacks. Neutrals like beige, bis cuit, camel, mocha, etc are best in vestments and go well with darker muted shades,” suggests designer Aniket Satam. If you do not wish to sport these colours in their Plane Jane avatar, add a dose of pop colours like mustard, paprika red, mint green, orchid magenta to break the monotony and add a pinch of quirkiness to the ensemble.

1. UPGRADED WORKWEAR

A muted pastel kurta with bold, XXL-size kalamkari print works as a cool upgraded version of churidar kurta. “Skip the regular dupatta layering and add an artsy detail with a gypsystyle bandana scarf,” suggests designer Babita Malkani. If your profession allows you to be a little more creative, team the kurta with khadi culottes or crush kalamkari skirt.

2. MINIMAL CHIC

There’s something prim and proper about a drawstring shirt dress. “Sport a number that’s all about understated, simple tailoring and a loose fit – it’s flattering and comfortable,” says designer Pooja S. Sex it up with a slit on each side. To inject a fun vibe, wear a high ponytail and a pair of chic sneakers.

3. SPORT WITH LUXURY

“Go for an anti-fit silhouette that captures the shades of monsoon,” says designer Shruti Sheth. The tie-and-dye effect is accentuated with impeccable applique work and signature sports detailing. The contrast of navy stripes and abstract tie and dye add a charm to off-beat layering. Luxe bomber jackets are a must this season.

4. COAT FOR URBAN COOL

Layer a long raincoat style coat with smart city bermudas and shirt for a comfy sports-inspired day look. Men should opt for more colour dosage and balance it with muted neutrals to beat the monsoon blues. “Complete the look with slide-in sandals that have one large strap that goes over the top of the foot.They are more comfortable than flip flops and look a lot more fashionable,” suggests designer Anuj Madaan.

5. RELAXED YET POWERFUL

Give that much needed twist to formal wear by sporting a set of knee-length formal pants with a front-open, double-layered polyester satin vest over a white shirt. Incorporate minuscule pocket detailing to make the silhouette look edgy.

6. MOVIE MANIA

Bold and vibrant prints that look like they are taken off a vintage film poster make you feel nostalgic. “An easy flowing silhouette adds just the right amount of quirkiness to a mundane grey climate. The mix of patterns in a simple short dress is fun and easy to maintain and very much apt for a crazy monsoon weekend gateway,” says Satam.

7. JUMP INTO MONSOON

A pretty floral-printed rayon jumpsuit with a slim ankle is what you need to feel like you are on a yacht sipping champagne. Banish bright base shades of ivory, cream and grey.”Look at dark, painterly blooms that resemble clusters of petals swirling in a rainy storm. Finish with chunky accessories that call for attention,” says stylist Eshaa Amiin.

-Inputs by Ritu Kumar, Sana and Sulakshana, Amy Billimoria and Pria Kataaria Puri. Vidhi Wadhwani, Nidhi Munim and Tarun Tahilani.Read more at:uk prom dresses

(Photo:dresses for prom)Heather Wright and Patrick Doudna met during the summer of 2005 on the deck at Kahunaville, the now defunct Wilmington riverfront bar, when she walked up to him, grabbed his beer out of his hand, took a swig, handed it back and said, “Hi, I’m Heather.” She was there with her girlfriends, and Patrick was there with a co-worker. Patrick’s friend and Heather had a mutual friend, and Heather’s group walked over to say hello when they spotted them. Patrick was somewhat taken aback by her nonchalance, but intrigued. He liked her right off the bat, but she was already dating someone. Both were 22. A Delaware native, Heather had just earned a degree from the University of Delaware in English education and was working with a friend whose father ran Crossroads substance abuse center. Patrick was working at Staples after moving to Delaware from the big island in Hawaii to attend the University of Delaware in computer science and information technology. They became part of the same group of friends. Somewhere in there, Patrick joked about having Stormtroopers at his wedding someday. Heather rolled her eyes, but her best friend Christine Bryan whispered, “That’ll be your wedding.” Heather laughed at the thought.

FIRST DATE: During the six years they were friends, Heather had several dating relationships, but Patrick never dated anyone seriously. In the spring of 2011, when only Heather and Patrick were hanging out at her sister’s house, discussing the books “Things Fall Apart” and “Lord of the Flies” by a bonfire, Heather realized Patrick was perfect for her. She would later find out that he had been waiting a long time to tell her how much he liked her.

THE FIRST KISS: They kissed in her sister’s kitchen that night and began dating. After a few months, Heather called it off. She was living in Bridgeville at the time and unhappy with a long-distance relationship. But she quickly realized her mistake and they began dating again. Their relationship gradually became more serious until she decided near the end of 2012 to move back upstate. Because she needed a place to live besides her parents’ home, she and Patrick began looking for a house.

THE PROPOSAL: By Dec. 23, 2012, they had talked about marriage and seemed headed that way, but no specific declarations were made. That day, Heather thought she and Patrick were going to meet her sister Tiffany and sister’s boyfriend for dinner at Firestone’s. On the way there, they stopped at Iron Hill to pick up a growler of beer as a Christmas present for Heather’s grandfather. Since they were parked, and parking isn’t always easy to find at Firestone’s, Patrick suggested walking over to the old Kahunaville, which is now the site of the Delaware Children’s Museum. The gate to the old deck, which was then just an empty lot, and Patrick suggested they go in. He walked her over to the approximate spot where he was standing when she stole his beer that first night, dropped to one knee and proposed. She said yes, but was shaking so hard, he had to put the ring on for her.

TELLING THE PARENTS: Patrick had asked her parents back in August for their permission to marry Heather. “Are you crazy?” her dad responded. It was his way of joking around with Patrick. Heather’s mother immediately started looking for mother of the bride dresses, but was “an anxious mess” – according to her daughter – for months while they wanted for Patrick to actually propose. The night he did, though, he also surprised Heather by having her parents, grandparents, sister and sister’s boyfriend waiting at Big Fish Grill, one of Heather’s favorite restaurants, to celebrate with them after popping the question.

THE CEREMONY: They married May 17, 2014, in Pell Gardens in Chesapeake City. They chose it because it reminded them of a trip they had taken to San Diego, California, in 2012. There, they had fallen in love with a shopping and dining area that included a beautiful seafood restaurant on the water. They chose a Hawaiian theme, and guests were met with Heather and Patrick’s friends handing out leis as they arrived. Patrick’s stepfather, John, gave a speech incorporating some Hawaiian blessings and adages. The couple wrote and read aloud their own reasons for loving each other, in addition to traditional vows. And then realized no one had brought the rings. In a video of the ceremony, Heather says, you can clearly see it dawn on her. She looks at Patrick. He looks back at her. She looks at her sister, who is maid of honor. Her sister looks at Paul, Patrick’s brother who is best man. And then Heather bursts out laughing. When she turned to look at the congregation, who were also laughing by then, she saw her sister’s best friend, Jordyn Holly, literally running down the aisle toward the bed and breakfast to retrieve the rings. In the meantime, Paul stepped forward, tore a piece of palm frond off a flower arrangement, fashioned them into rings and the ceremony went on. When Jordyn returned with the rings, they were blessed at the end of the service.

THE DRESS: Heather wore a strapless Alfred Angelo Disney Fairytale dress designed to look like Tiana’s gown in “The Princess and the Frog.” It had a sweetheart neckline, rhinestone-embellished bodice and full skirt of tiered lace. She bought it at the Bridal and Tuxedo Shoppe in Newark.

SOMETHING OLD: A piece of “Woobie,” her baby blanket, pinned to the underneath of her dress.

SOMETHING NEW: An infinity bracelet her mother-in-law gave her at her bridal shower, and a necklace with birds and pearls that Patrick gave her as a wedding gift, sent to her the day of the wedding via Heather’s sister. Heather gave Patrick a pair of “Game of Thrones” cufflinks she bought from an Australian site on Etsy. One was engraved “my sun and stars” and one was engraved “moon of my life,” endearments used by a married couple on the show.

SOMETHING BORROWED: A diamond bracelet from her mom.

SOMETHING BLUE: Her favorite necklace, a dove from Tiffany and Co. given to her by her sister, pinned in a blue pouch right over her heart.

THE RECEPTION: Before the reception at the Chesapeake Inn, all the groomsmen and dads changed into Hawaiian shirts to fit the theme. Heather fulfilled Patrick’s prediction (and her friend’s) by having two life-size cardboard cutouts of storm troopers waiting by their table. Because Patrick is big into fantasy novels and games, they cut the cake with a sword she bought him in Spain in 2012 when she was chaperoning a high school trip there. The newlyweds walked in to the Darkness’s “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” and their first dance was to “You’re the Reason” by Victoria Justice (Heather’s got a thing for ‘tween shows). Heather danced with her dad to an acoustic version of “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” which has always reminded her of her father. She made him laugh the whole time so he wouldn’t cry. Patrick and his mom danced to Isreal Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The funniest moment came after her sister and her boyfriend caught the garter and bouquet. Both of them like being the center of attention, and when the DJ insisted they switch places and Tiffany put the garter on Rob to “show him how it’s done,” things turned risque enough that the bride was blushing. “Everyone else was in hysterics. All I could think was, Dad is watching this!” she says.

THE MOST POPULAR GIFT: Servingware. “We got a little bit carried away registering for things, and didn’t realize how many trays and appetizer display things we had ordered,” Heather says.

THE MOST SENTIMENTAL GIFT: When Heather became a teenager, her mom put away her Cabbage Patch Doll, Cappie, and told Heather she couldn’t have her back until her wedding. At the rehearsal dinner, Heather’s grandmother surprised her with Cappie, fully decked out in her own wedding dress, complete with a bouquet and a veil. Heather cried.

THE HONEYMOON: They spent a week at the Hard Rock Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Unfortunately, Heather had a stomach virus for the first four days, so she spent a lot of time watching Netflix. After that, they swam with dolphins, ziplined and relaxed at the beach and in the pool, enjoying drink delivery.

THE FAMILY TREE: The bride is the daughter of Tamberly and Thomas Wright of Wilmington; the groom is the son of Kay and John Storck of Kona, Hawaii, and Duke Doudna of San Diego, California.

WHAT’S NEXT: Heather and Patrick live in Bear with their two dogs, Zuma and Zelda, and two cats, Mana Pua and Lau Lua. Heather, who earned a master’s in school counseling from Wilmington University in 2013, had been teaching English at Ursuline Academy middle school, but now is seeking a job in school counseling. Patrick, who earned his degree in computer and network security from Wilmington University in 2010, is an information analyst at Genesis Healthcare. He hopes to eventually move into the cybersecurity field. They plan to have children one day, but right now are just enjoying married life.Read more at:cheap evening dresses uk

(Photo:mermaid prom dresses)Wish to bare arms when the sun shines bright, but scared of putting your tanned arms on display? Save them by using sun protection products.

Celebrity dermatologist Kiran Lohia shares tips for keeping your arms gorgeous:

* Prevention with sunblock: A lot of tanning and discoloration occurs due to the ravages of UVA and UVB rays. UVA causes long-lasting pigmentation, freckles and wrinkled skin, while UVB rays cause tanning. It is vital to protect against both types of UV rays. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen will help you do that. Look for SPF 30 with PA++ and above for the best coverage. SPF refers to UVB protection and PA++ refers to UVA protection. Wear copious amount of sunscreen and re-apply every four hours for the best result!

* Cover up: The fact is that sun exposure is the number one cause of freckles and darkened arms. So if you do not wear sleeveless and instead wear long sleeves when going outside, you will find that your arms will stay smooth. The problem is that it’s mighty hard to wear long sleeves in 40-degree weather! So when it’s hot, you can instead wear light cotton fabrics in light colours to help provide a physical protection to your arms.

* The natural solution: For mild pigmentation and for those with patience, there are natural options. ‘Ubtans’ can help get rid of tan because they exfoliate the dull, old and dead skin cells, revealing newer and brighter skin underneath. For an effective ‘ubtan’, combine buttermilk and chickpea flour. Apply it on your skin and let it dry. Then rub it off and wash. Do this once or twice a week.

Another option is to create a natural scrub. For softer arm skin, combine sugar crystals with rose oil. Apply while in the shower using gentle circular motions and then wash off. Do this once a week for the ultimate glow.Read more at:sexy prom dresses

(Photo:evening dresses online cheap)Ah, the age-old debate: is it genetics or the environment that dictate how a child will ultimately evolve? I have always preferred to believe in a blend of the two, each taking a turn at holding the dominant power during the years of prime development. However, what happens once the child becomes an adult?

In thinking about what attracts an individual to his or her partner, a whole host of attributes come to mind: eye color, sense of humor, manners, upbringing, religion, education and many others. For better or for worse, body image tends to play a large role when seeking out a mate as well. Some folks are drawn to the slender woman, others prefer a more athletic build, and still others favor a shape with a little more “meat on the bones”. When a woman is seeking a male partner, she too has a preference: height, facial hair, muscular build and overall physique come into play.

Sadly, once a union has been established, many individuals feel that the need to keep themselves in the shape that first attracted their partner is no longer a necessity. Haven’t we all heard friends say,” Well, he/she married me and is stuck with me now, so what does it matter how I look?”

Ideally, if a couple is deeply in love, perhaps outer appearances slip into the background over time. After all, beauty is skin-deep, but matters of the heart are much more powerful. Yet even if we take what I call “society’s view” of physical aesthetics out of the equation, we are still left with the responsibility of fighting nature/genetics and nurturing our own health.

This past weekend, my husband and I spent the 4th of July holiday driving to and from Chicago. This was an unplanned excursion; my mom ended up in the ER and is currently in the hospital. While we only spent Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon there, it was a powerful experience for me on a multitude of levels.

My mom was definitely one of those individuals who, over the course of a 50+ -year marriage, kind of “let herself go.” My father thought she was beautiful until the day he passed, because their love truly was that deep. However, here she is, at 81 years of age, dealing with the health consequences of having pretty much given up on her physique at some point during their lives together. Rather than living with the idea that “He’s stuck with me so it doesn’t matter how I look”, it is important to remember that you, too, are stuck with yourself for the rest of your life.

As I looked at Mom, I realized that she probably doesn’t even see a connection between giving up on living mindfully and health consequences in later years. True, the fitness and wellness craze had not yet reached today’s epic proportions when she was busy working and raising a family. Still, it is hard for me to fathom a lifestyle bereft of regular exercise or prudent food choices. Mom now deals with a multitude of health issues, and I cannot help but ponder once again that age-old query. How many of these situations are a result of her genetic make-up, and how many are a result of lack of nurturing herself through the years?

In a realm where I am blessed enough to be surrounded by active and health individuals, many of whom are older than my mom, I am saddened over the realization that perhaps she might have been one of them if circumstances had played out differently. Circumstances? Or choices? We certainly made choices when we were young and trying to attract a mate. Why does this end later in adulthood?

The answer is simple: it doesn’t have to end. Making a commitment to lifelong wellness is a choice we all should take to heart. Can we prevent every health crisis out there? Sometimes things just happen, regardless of how straight a path we are on. Yet if there exists a way to raise the odds in favor of health during our golden years, don’t we owe it to ourselves to explore it?Read more at:celebrity inspired dresses

(Photo:one shoulder prom dresses uk)The corporation, which is gearing up for the upcoming local body polls, was in a celebratory mood on Tuesday. The administrative responsibilities, though for a few hours, became a more homely affair for Mayor K Chandrika and team. Four young women were having one of the most cherishable moments in their lives. They were getting married with the blessings of their family and the officials of the civic body.

The city corporation had on Tuesday organised the wedding ceremony for the daughters of four Kudumbashree-Ayalkkoottam members from financially-backward families.

With the backing of well-wishers and sponsors, the wedding ceremony took place in all its grandeur before hundreds, who filled the auditorium to the brim.

“Enough fund for the event was collected by the Kudumbashree CDS members themselves. Without any compulsion, each and everyone of them contributed their bit and collected Rs 10.68 lakh for the cause. Then we sourced out sponsors. All four couples were gifted a fixed deposit of Rs two lakh each,” said welfare standing committee chairperson of the corporation Palayam Rajan.

Each bride received five sovereigns as gift from the corporation. A contribution of five-and-a-half sovereigns was made by two jewellers in the city.

Sadya was arranged for 1,500 people. Auditorium to conduct the wedding, stage arrangements, wedding dress and other materials were sponsored for free by groups and institutions.

The couples who got married were L Karthika-R Harikumar, Sunitha-Ajayakumar, P Priya-T Ani and V Lekha-S Shaji. Social Justice Minister M K Muneer, V Sivankutty MLA and CPM leader M Vijayakumar came and blessed the couples.Read more at:red cocktail dress