Summer fashion wear - Cliq

Cliq magazine - Chennai's photography magazine - March 2011.

Making waves

Whether you love it or hate it, reality is that the beach season is upon us. It is more likely you will be planning your outdoor escapades where beachwear will be a mandate in your wardrobe. Let’s look at how you can make a statement this summer.

The good news is beachwear is a no-brainer. You just have to make sure you have a great outfit with coordinating sandals, a cool cover-up, a hat to protect your head, sunscreen(!!!) and some shades to protect your eyes.

Include the whole spectrum of colors in your wardrobe, go bright and vibrant!

Boys and Girls, footwear for your attire should be simple and colorful. The latest

collection of Flip-Flops and slides by Reebok, Converse and Adidas are apt as the fabric is easy to clean and you can take them into the water with no fear of ruining them.

Swimwear, ahem..for those daring and super fit souls; pay attention to what suit suits you. Choose suits with a 100% soft polyester composition which dry off faster. The women can play with couture such as off-shoulder dresses, kaftans, shorts, capris and skirts. Men, there are no boundaries in beachwear but keep away from full-sleeved shirts. Accessories such as beaded chains, hats, colorful sunshades add a healthy dose of quirky cool to your attire. With the excess exposure to the sun, concluding on an important tip for skin protection, as Baz Luhrmann puts it, “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.”

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Water workout/Aqua aerobics

One of 'em awesome workouts I will recommend. Clearly, what makes it most effective is your instructor. A great class with Jeffrey. Best (yet gross) part, you can't tell if your sweating :P.

December 2010 Issue of Frappe, Chennai's cafe lifestyle magazine.

Aqua fit

Come New Year and we’re all engaged in making changes and New resolutions in our day-to-day routines. While resolutions are well-intentioned, unfortunately most of us fail at keeping them. Striving to achieve our fitness goals are probably the most difficult of the lot. January being the perfect season for change, it’s definitely the right time to transform your workout and alleviate boredom to meet those ‘size zero’ fitness goals. After all, muscles have memory and they can get accustomed to the same workout. An Aqua aerobics workout might be just what you need.

A first-of-its-kind in Chennai, the program is conducted by renowned Choreographer and Reebok Certified fitness instructor Jeffrey Vardon at Hotel Savera. Aqua Aerobics, as the name suggests, is a high-calorie burning workout which involves performing aerobics in the shallow part of the pool which uses the resistance of water and provides for an excellent whole body workout making it fun and exhilarating. As opposed to most workouts, aquatic exercises are known for their safety aspect as it is easier on the joints. The water cushions you thus preventing any damage or irritation to the joints because you are in a buoyant environment, where the buoyancy principle of the water does not allow the lower body to bear the body weight; hence the chance of an injury is minimal.

“The weather conditions of our city make this an apt workout opposing any other outdoor activity that makes you sweat.” says Jeffrey.

A huge plus is that one does not need to know swimming in order to take advantage of water aerobic exercising. This form of aerobics allows a person to get the same benefits as regular aerobic workouts, but it has many added advantages. The multiple benefits of an Aqua aerobics routine are therapeutic to the joints and work your muscular and cardiovascular system hugely. Aquatic exercise will not only make your heart stronger, but it also proves to be a powerful strength training workout with water being the resistance. The result: A workout that helps you build strength, balance, flexibility and endurance leaving you with a well-toned body.

“The motivation is high as it done in the pool which attracts a larger crowd and it helps one burn between 500 to 800 calories in one hour.” says Jeffrey.

While no single workout suits everyone needs, water aerobics comes close to conforming to most individual’s abilities and restrictions. Open to people of all age groups, one can adjust the pace of their movements and the exertion levels to suit their fitness ability while exercising every muscle and joint in the body, all at the same time. Based on a simple concept where the harder you push at the water, the harder it pushes back at you makes for a great workout. This multi-directional resistance provides for excellent rehabilitation for those who are suffering from injuries and cannot perform land aerobics.

Water aerobics is also particularly beneficial for those who are over-weight or who have not exercised for a while making this an easy way to get back and stay in an exercise program.

Overall, aqua aerobics is a fantastic opportunity to get in to shape and have fun while doing it. Besides, what can be more fun than splashing around in water with friends, while getting a workout?

With something to offer for everyone, we hope this has whetted your appetite!

Ritika Arya - DESIGN COUTURE

An interview with a good friend and a talented Chennai-based designer, Ritika Arya Jain was interviewed for "The TAXI Magazine" November 2010 issue on her latest Autumn-winter (Ahem, Indian winter) collection.

More on her line...below:

A DASH OF ROMANCE

By Amrita Samant

Gorgeous chiffons, crinkly cottons and ravishing Satins.. Ritika Arya Jain’s Autumn-winter collection 2010 comes uber chic and classy!

This young and vivacious designer, after having completed her BA in Fashion Design from the University College of Creative Arts, Kent and an M.A in design management from London College of Fashion, has been spinning new collections over the past two years under the label “Ritika Arya Jain”. Focusing on western and Indo-western, this season’s colors include shades of Black, Bottle green, Midnight blue and not to forget, her favorite – classic whites.

“My A/W 2010 line is an amalgamation of attitudes of both modern and classic per

sonalities. It expresses a concept of feminity that is sensually romantic and contemporary. The inspiration is the urban woman who is independent. “says Ritika.

Playing with cool contours with a hint of adventure, her new line has an element of class with styles developed on a rather glistening yet minimalist look suited for work wear and evening wear. This collection blends cottons (designer’s signature fabric), silk-cottons, chiffons, flower motifs & satins. Her silhouettes are fresh and free-flowing while sprinkled with design trends such as pleats, pin-tucks & frills.

“The collection captures the duality of the modern woman through lines and silhouettes, fabric and cut, style and substance. It consists of both casual and formal Indo-western wear for social gatherings and events.”

Making fashion bend to her rules, Ritika has created a range of Casual and Formal shirts and dresses with oversized and small checks in combination. Low-back chiffon dresses with broad gathers forming a satin belt, crisp white tunics with rolled up sleeves, pastel-shaded chiffon tops, tunics cinched at the waist with bodice detailing and the prints softly peeping through sheer box pleats, cotton work-wear shirts with delicate frills and pin-tucked tops & dresses are some signature pieces in her new line.

“Along with representing elegance, Fashion must always be amazing and personal for a woman.”

Innovating fresh styles in every collection, a few new designs include braided neck lines, triple-fold sleeves and double collars. Ritika’s collection is available at CO, Rehane, Nungambakkam.

Spa Magic

Magic! I've been fascinated by magic since I was a little girl and shamelessly still am..
This has got to be one of my favorite write-ups for all the fringe benefits I received to write it :P
Another one for "The TAXI Magazine", December 2010 issue, I distinctly remember this coming my way during a very stressed out period. Alas, I can say it was well-deserved..

Spa Magic
By Amrita Samant


“Sometimes the cure for restlessness is rest.” Colleen Wainwright

For some years now, we’ve been using phrases that try to sum up to what Spa treatments are all about. “Total health and wellness” and “Create harmony of body, mind and spiri

t” as

enticing as they may sound, do not give these treatments their due credit.

We, at Taxi, decided to explore some of the real experiences offered within these spas that let you leave feeling better than when you arrived. Featuring the signature treatments from leading city spa’s, its now time to indulge in some extravagant and luxurious body bliss and spoil yourselves silly!



Face glam

Originated solely with the intention of improving cosmetic appearance, Facials, today, are at a tangent as they are combined with relaxation techniques to improve overall hea

lth of the skin.

For a signature facial treatment, we chose Page 3 Salon known for their exclusive skin treatments featuring Keraskin products from L’Oreal International. Their unique approach to facial treatment allows them to provide an experience that is prescribed exclusively for you. The therapist starts with an analysis of your skin’s unique requirements and then suggests the most beneficial facial to restore you to your radiant best. After settling on what is called the Glow Floral Therapy, a specialized one created to restore the radiance and glow of your skin, the blissful session began.

I gave myself up into the friendly Kerafacialist’s hands that started my facial with the application of a cleanser and toner. This was followed by a long, languorous and really soothing Olive scrub massage which had only a hint of its fragrance. On re-activating t

lowers, was applied. This was accompanied by a divine back and hand rub that leaves you asking for more. At the end of this hour long elaborate ritual, Immuniste anti-ageing serum is applied to the skin leaving it feeling absolutely reborn!he blood circulation, the floral peel, which contains mild flower acids from hibiscus f

Relaxation period: 60 minutes

Perks: Created with the goodness of nature, this facial hydrates your skin like never before, resulting in a beautiful and radiant glow from deep within.





Treat for your tresses

Hair, one of your most pampered assets, is the essence of any classic hair-do. And for this, one needs to treat it well. What better place for healthy hair strategies than the most

powerful hairdressing brand in the world, Toni & Guy.

As I entered this refined environment with exquisite hair styling products on display all around me, I was reassured on seeing a Top Stylist ready to consult me for my Hair Spa treatm

ent.

After diagnosing my hair for a minute and interrogating me on personal hair care, my stylist drew up a detailed nourishment programme best suited for my hair type.

The “Hydration” treatment began with a hair wash and a light massage. All products used in this treatment are from System Professional, a new premium hair care range from Wella Professionals, exclusively personalized to the clients’ individual needs.
The next step, a mixture of the ‘Moist dry hair’ treatment mask and System Professional’s exclusively formulated infusions that compliment the treatment mask was made and applied to the roots and hair. This was followed by a long and gentle head and neck massage. A ten-minute steam was given right after to help the cream penetrate into the scalp. The hair spa treatment came to an end with a light r

inse and ‘cold-drying’ hair to retain its moisture.

Relaxation period: 60 minutes

Perks: Apart from strengthening the hair follicles, nourishing the roots and revitalizing your scalp, the treatment works like silken fingers that work their magic on the roots of your hair.


Fish feet

We always take our feet for granted. Most of the time they are seen as tools to get us wherever we need to go. But suddenly, after a long period when our feet have to be exposed, we remember we should have taken good care of them all year long. Going the natural way, we at Taxi explored the Fish Pedicure at Kenko, a reflexology and fish spa which is the latest addition to the city’s spas.

The spa is a haven of peace and tranquility that invites you to relax almost instantaneously. As nervous as I was to let little fish gnaw at my feet, I was assured that these little fish, called Garra rufa fish (also popularly known as Doctor Fish) imported for pedicures specifically, do not bite. I was told that these fish gently gnaw into the dead skin and clear away the unwanted top layer of the soles of the feet. So before I could get started, a certain enzy

me was sprayed on my feet to attract the fish. As soon as I dipped my feet in the fish tank, I saw them all charging towards me and began nibbling at my feet, which surprisingly left me tickled. I avoided looking at them devour into my dead skin cells only to feel multiple tingling sensations at the same time.
These fish can wonderfully work on calluses and other tough growth on the feet. They just nibble into them and soften the feet. The fish pedicure is also complimented with a ten-minute shoulder massage.


Relaxation period: 30 minutes

Perks: Fish pedicures give your feet a fresh, soft and supple look naturally and keep various foot conditions at bay.

Effleurage-d/Therapeutic touch

From the early days where European Cave paintings depicted what seems to be like the medical use of therapeutic touch, till date where massage has developed and taken several forms, today there are around 70 methods of massage therapy that have evolved with influences from around the world.

With stress playing a large role in the quality of our lives, experts suggest that one of the best ways to cope with it is a relaxing massage, and that is precisely what we did.

Isha Life, a premium fitness brand, provides a gamut of fitness services that includes a spa, branded Shambhavi. Their extensive menu of services left me perplexed. Going by their recommendation, I had decided to try out their Swedish massage. Accompanied by their certified masseuse, I was asked to choose from their own brand of organic aroma oils. Deciding on Lemongrass oil, I decided to unwind and let my masseuse rid me off my aches. Swedish massages are considered the best for their smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage and other moves such as kneading, stretching and tapping. A blissful hour full of firm but gentle pressure applications, this massage focuses on each body part working its way up. A head and facial massage brings this heavenly treatment to an end.

Relaxation period: 60 minutes

Perks: The main purpose of this massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. It also stretches your ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Bringing you to de-stress mode, this treatment is sure to make you snooze right after.


Nail trail

Our final stop was to treat our fingernails to some royalty. And the apt place to do the same is Influence Spa. Redeemed as a top spa in the city for their impeccable services,
I was asked to choose the manicure service of my choice. Having done that, I was seated on big, plush recliner seat with my hands dipped in luke-warm water-filled bowls on either side.

The state-of-the-art equipment becomes more pronounced when my recliner was converted into a massage chair by the click of a button. Sitting back, I closed my eyes and let my mind drift with the instrumental Balinese music playing softly. The manicure started with softening my hands in warm water containing salt and shampoo. A cuticle cream was applied to moisten the nails for removing dead cells. Using a scrub, I was given a 10 minute hand massage followed by a cream pack. The last step included moisturizing my hands and touching up my nails with a French manicure.

Relaxation Time: 30 minutes

Perks:

Influence’s signature manicure keeps your nails looking healthy and strong while making your hands look aesthetically attractive.

Season's Reasons - Accessorizing

Been a while since I clicked on 'edit' here.

With keen interest on consulting folks on dressing and fashion, this article was a no-brainer supplemented with interviews with the best designers in town.. Written for "The TAXI magazine", Feb 2011 issue, my original heading wasn't retained. :S

Diva-licious!

A little bit of sparkle, a little bit of spice, a little bit of silver to make it sassy nice!

Some one once said, “Dress for the life you want, not the life you have”. Dressing up is like a good yoga class that allows you to be present in the moment, to revel in the light of ‘now’. For those of you who delight in dressing, the selection of the outfit, the styling and the preparation are all part of a grand event. With the spring/summer collections coming through to fulfill our inner fashion cravings, there is a lot to be said about the

simplicity of a Spring ensemble. The new season gives you an opportunity to rejuvenate your creative side by mixing textures, adding outwear and stylish side notes to suit the

season. The runway is full of boots, statement jewelery, figure-flattering leggings and sequins, but its those key items this season that add to the oomph factor.

When choosing the key pieces to stay in vogue this season, remember that one key item can update your wardrobe entirely and keep you on trend through the whole season. It is a better idea to invest in a key piece you desire than buy a bunch of inexpensive pieces you will have to replace each season.

We, at taxi, decided to help you stay at the top of the game and bring the season’s must-haves to the fore from the experts

themselves.

Considering that there is a thin line of difference between what you need, what you want and what you shouldn’t live without, we have covered all of the hottest fashion trends this season.

Accessories

Novelty accessories a.k.a statement jewelery are taking centre stage this season. The key is not to over do it. Wearing novelty accessories is a great way to bring fun and youthfulness to your ensemble. Accessories can also be used to accentuate your body. They can also hel

p create different illusions like a long rope necklace can lengthen your upper torso. This season’

s hottest fashion trend nod goes to the uber stylish boots a.k.a booties. Whether you are running your errands around town, going shopping or even a lunch date, pair these flat-heeled booties with skinny jeans or jeggings and a long tee and it will instantly give your outfit a natural and effortless lift. These can be pair

ed with work-place attire as well. Booties go well with an off-shoulder dress and patte

rned tights and it is the perfect ticket to get those heads turning. Absolutely sensational!

Haute Couture

This season is rushing back in time to highlight the retro-glam look. Maxi dresses

and skirts, pleated tops, wide-legged, flared trousers most common with a high-waist

ed cut and elegant jumpsuits, in a wide palette of colors, from crisp white and cream to bold colors and oriental prints. Citrus bright colors and eclectic prints are making their way back to welcome the summer sun.

Leggings and patterned tights are doing their rounds this season. A good leg-hugging fit without too many gathers around the knees or ankles speak for its fit. They look best when worn with layers. Team it up with a long blouse, tunic or cardigan, a scarf wrapped loosely around your neck, a big hobo bag and a pair of long boots and you are ready to go!

Let’s hear what the city’s top designers have to say about this season’s key fashion investments.

Sidney Sladen, Chennai’s designer extraordinaire who has catered to the wardrobes of the who’s who in the South Indian Movie industry, is of the opinion that this season’s best fashion investment is a gorgeous pair of shoes. Shoes have a special place in every woman’s closet. “A nice pair of pumps makes for a great investment while Clogs are making a big comeback this summer. Coming to clothing, wide-legged trousers and jumpsuits are also a must-have for this season.”

Chennai’s very own young and hot designer Vivek Karunakaran gave us his views on the season’s hot couture. “We need to brighten up our wardrobes, swap that Little Black Dress for a much nicer and brighter tone of color. When it comes to personal styling, its time to play mix- master. Put together different elements to create your own individual look such as a blazer over bright colored pants, a sequined tuxedo over a dress which is quite contradictory. Speaking of contradictions, pair your fanciest dress with boots setting a feminine look juxtaposed with a stronger appeal to it. When it comes to accessorizing, let your hair be your best accessory with the various up-dos.”

Nazia Syed, the city’s very own engineer turned fashion designer shared her views on the same.”Sequins are ruling the season. Sheer lace tops, a short gold shift dress are a must-have. This season’s hottest fashion trends go back

to the uber stylish ankle boots a.k.a booties. Suede pumps also raise the trend meter. Brooches are a great accessory this season.”

Rehane,a designer who needs no introduction shared her ideas on the season’s must-haves – “With the ‘latest bag-craze’ culture doing its rounds, it’s high time we do away with the newest fads, step into our grandma’s closet and pull out those charming and alluring Vintage bags. “

“With Comfort preceding style, ballerinas are a good investment for an evening out.”