Every so often, major names in the fashion world create lines or products that they market as “inspired by” India. In 2008 the ready-to-wear collection by Jean Paul Gautier for Hermes featured Nehru jackets, tunics and sari variations. Later that summer, we were tempted by the vivid jewel tones of nail polishes from OPI’s India Collection, of which names like “Royal Rajah Ruby” and “Curry Up Don’t be Late!” were quick to intrigue and even quicker to impress upon application. But, then there are occasions when lines are released and one is confused as to whether the reference to India is really due to Desi influence or simply a marketing tool. Such is the case with the new Indian Summer Collection by Stila Cosmetics. While some of the articles seem promising, it is difficult to find a true connection with Indian culture other than the aggressive advertising that is being done to dupe the public into believing the products they are using are truly “ethnic.”
The line by Stila is said to be infused with real 24 karat gold. Now I find this both fascinating and amusing for several reasons. As Desis, I’m sure most of you (especially those currently planning their weddings) are well aware that gold prices are increasing exponentially Read the rest of this entry »
The 80s are back. Actually, they’ve been creeping up on us for a while. For over a year now, designers have been incorporating revamped versions of the funky fashions and colors from two decades ago into their runway shows. And now, the designs and accessories have finally filtered down into your local Forever 21 – this time, hopefully, without the awful linebacker shoulder pads (remember Melanie Griffith in Working Girl? *shudder*). 
These days, I find myself more than a little upset with Mother Nature. Her indecisiveness as to whether or not she wishes it to be winter or summer is not only causing me difficulty in choosing outfits every morning, but it’s wreaking havoc on my skin and hair. My confused, irritated scalp is dry and itchy and as I scratch at it relentlessly, it has begun to flake. Furthermore, my strands have turned dull and lifeless in the bewilderment of whether to produce oil or go into lockdown mode. I recently dragged my mother to our nearest ULTA store, where I spent twenty minutes contemplating which hair mask to spend $$$ on. Mom finally just leaned over and said, “Seriously, just put dahi (yogurt) in your hair.” When I inquired further, she informed me that when she was younger, everyone she knew would 
using natural ingredients versus manufactured products. But the truth is, 
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It’s 8 am. You should have been out of the house fifteen minutes ago, but you slept through your alarm. You are jumping like a madwoman to get one leg into your pants while you furiously brush your teeth and send a message to your colleague on your blackberry. You then run back to your bathroom and groan as 
We’ve all seen the photos of the unfortunate girl with the caked on foundation too light for her skin tone and have gone out of our way to make sure we don’t end up like her. But, in our desperate attempts to make sure our neck matches our jawline, 
You know the phrase, “less is more?” Apparently my cheeks have never heard of it. No matter what style of makeup I choose, light or dark, a pink cheek is no doubt always a part of my repertoire (although, I’m sure my sisters would like to interject here and say my look is more Raggedy Ann than a healthy flush). What can I say, I like a little bit of color – I feel a rosy cheek is the component that ties in all the other made up features of the face. However, sometimes, especially when the weather starts to get warm, I like to tone down the bright pink and reach for something a little more subtle. So, I’m constantly on a search for a product that will give me a soft dewy flushed look (think Leighton Meester of Gossip Girl) without having to apply a perfect combination of tinted moisturizer, cream blush and highlighters. Bobbi Brown’s new line of cheek tints from the Summer 2009 collection aspires to be that product.
