MEHANDI DESIGNS ON KARWA CHAUTH

MEHANDI DESIGNS ON KARWA CHAUTH

    Every woman in city is ensuring to find best mehandiwalaand having the best design patterns applied on her hands for the special day of karwa chauth. Fragrance of mehandi triples the happiness of this day. Very intricate designs are decorated on hands of girls and women. These designs not only show the trend of mehandibut
also show the love exposed through the hands of every woman for her husband.
    Trend of this traditional art is no longer limited to just hands and feet, arms, back of neck, navel, shoulders and waistline are also getting adorned with beautiful, bold and innovative floral designs. The main patterns can be recognised along with temporary colourful and trendy tattoos having a dash of glitter, Arabic mehandiwith floral and intertwining lines on hand and feet and Indian mehandi covering bold designs on shoulders and waistline. A mehandiartist Bablu, who has an experience of 6-7 years, has seen the eagerness between the women to have best design on their hands. He speaks, "From last
few years, the number of women is increasing rapidly on karwa chauth. And they do not hesitate to pay huge amount for it. Most of them are influenced towards dyemehandiof floral designs filling with henna. The price of applying mehandi is `100 to `150 in the morning and goes to `300 per hand at night according to the long queues that continue to stretch."Shreya Relan, a local resident said, "I am getting my both hands and arms traced with Arabic mehandi. This is my first karwa chauthand Arabic floral design on my hands would enhance my dress."
    Khushbhu Wadhwa, who runs a beauty parlour says, "Now-a-days, everything is just reduced to fashion and show-off. However, getting mehandi on karwa chauthis still a good thing as people are celebrating their culture in an enthusiastic manner and it also helps in getting good business for mehandiwalas."
    The fragrance of mehandiis indeed creating a loving scenario on this festival.

BEAUTIFUL BANGLES FOR KARWA-CHAUTH

BEAUTIFUL BANGLES FOR KARWA-CHAUTH

Bangles play an important role by not only completing the culture but also by helping to maintain the style statement of your attire. A must have during the day of karwa chauth since ancient times, women love to don them to accentuate their overall look

    At the time of karwa chauth women are following the trend of wearing colourful bangles in their hands. This fashion can be seen in every group from lower class to high class families. Apart from saris and suits, matching accessories is also the rule of thumb for women. Bangles are known to be among the important accessory articles as they enhance the beauty of your attire gracefully.
    The markets are offering huge variety of bangles in different shapes and colours for karwa chauth. Bangles in arms with multiple fluorescent colours give a unique look and are the best choice for women on this karwa chauth. Metal bangles are in demand these days. Bangles in plastic mirror, metal, steel forms are new for all buyers but women are more influenced towards the traditional ones. Different thick kadas are also available in wide ranges among which red and pink are mostly been picked by all women. Wearing multi coloured bangles with kadas is also very common and popular among the women.
    Most of the women have their own reason to still
choose bangles on karwa chauth. "I am very fashion conscious especially during occasions, and when we talk about karwa chauth, the one and only day we dress up beautifully for our husbands. And karwa chauth has its traditional meaning. I personally believe that karwa chauth is incomplete without bangles," says Madhu Thakkar.
    "To purchase different dresses is very easy, but to carry them with different accessories is a difficult task. One and only medium to look better is to wear bangles of matching colours of dress," says Anupama Sapra. Shopkeeper Dinesh Madaan says the sale of metal bangles and traditional bangles is really high. Karwa chauth is one of the festival on which sale of bangle is higher than other accessories. There are lots of options available in the market starting from 50 to 800 a dozen.

Majesty personifies elite living tastes

An epitome of rising lifestyle aspirations, the modern realty market is elevating elegant living. With burgeoning high-end buyers, Pune is one of the most responsive markets in the luxury segment.

    Majesty personifies elite living tastes. Exquisiteness sets splendid spaces apart. Graceful grandeur greets you here with warmth. Welcome to the amazing aesthetic arena of luxury, a niche realty segment for a select clientele. Transcending the four walls, homes aren't anymore mere shelters. Instead, they are now emerging designer dwellings giving a grand living experience. Cutting a fine figure, high-end housing now forms a sizable chunk of real estate market in metros, thanks to an enhancing paying capacity of homebuyers.
    Amid escalating realty rates, there exists an exclusive class of potential realty consumers who don't want to cut corners when it comes to buying a home. Aspiring for nothing short of opulence, a luxury buyer looking for spacious swish residential spaces and this attitude has driven luxury segment not only in Indian metros but also in Tier-II and III cities. The luxury residential category is just about coming of age in India. Indian consumers have started discovering the art of fine living and designer residences. With the foray of top international luxury brands, the global Indian is now looking for sophistication in everything, right from jewellery, cars, clothing, accessories to housing.
    An epitome of rising lifestyle aspirations, modern realty market is elevating elegant living. With burgeoning high-end buyers, Pune is one of the most responsive markets in luxury segment. Throwing light on the growth of Pune's luxury segment, Sanjay Bajaj, Managing Director - Pune, Jones Lang LaSalle India, says, "Luxury homes are a significant growth segment in Pune real estate. This segment is largely fuelled by the city's IT professionals and NRIs and demand is quite sustainable. The hottest locations for luxury homes are currently Koregaon Park, Kalyaninagar, Viman Nagar and Baner."
    India's appetite for luxury and ultra -luxury residences is increasing, with the growing number of HNIs. Pune too, has a sizable market for luxury homes with buyers being accustomed to real estate offerings across the globe. Luxury buyer wants exclusivity and uniqueness, adds Anmol Haval, head, sales and marketing, Amanora Park Town. "Such buyers are brand-conscious. The trend in luxury homes as per our research and experience is no more in terms of quantity of space but the quality of space, the value additions and the details. In addition, designing and customisation are important for luxury housing and at the same time, the architecture of the building plays an equal role offering a sense of uniqueness and pride in owning the apartment."
    Pune is one of the most responsive markets for luxury housing today, avers Kishor Pate, vice-president, Pune CREDAI and CMD, Amit Enterprises Housing Ltd. "Currently, the overall demand for luxury housing in the city is high in some parts of the city and stable in other locations. Many HNI investors seal their deals at the pre-launch or under construction phase and get better rates. The prices for ready-to-move-in luxury homes are bound to be higher. The future for luxury housing is very positive in Pune."
    Developers of luxury homes in Pune are roping in foreign architects to design their projects, and are also tying up with designer brands to provide exclusive interiors and facilities management, says Bajaj. He also informs that luxury homes in Pune are now being equipped with the latest 'smart home' features, which increase the lifestyle quotient considerably.
    However, luxury housing in Pune is still evolving and must brace up to the future challenges, opines, Pravin Mahurkar, head, Pune, residential services, Jones Lang LaSalle India. "Borderline oversupply, saturation of the most popular areas and an increasing infrastructure problem are some of the challenges before Pune's luxury segment. Most luxury housing locations in Pune have peaked out and prices have remained stagnant for the last two years. However, best luxury projects are sold out quickly irrespective of everything," he adds.
    Besides, luxury is one such segment which is not too much affected by economic fluctuations. Pune realtors are expecting steady market for the next couple of months.

Pune has seen a steady rise in such premium residential towers

Awonderful world in itself!

Today, the idea of high-end living is about a designer and luxury condominium, which offers amenities matching global standards. Pune has seen a steady rise in such premium residential towers

    Talk about Pune's housing market and it has something to offer for everyone. It's a city everybody looks forward to invest in as it helps you enjoy the best of both worlds. You can find home at your own place in this bustling metro and it will never let you down. Compact, spacious or luxurious, Pune has homes fitting into your frames as builders are largely offering need-based projects.
    From affordable homes to plush residential and commercial spaces, Pune market is setting new trends in luxury living. Changing trends and lifestyles have redefined modern-age realty market. Better living standards and evolving tastes of consumers have altered housing sector giving luxury a new name. A swelling demand for swish spaces has been encouraging Pune developers to float top-of-the-line residential projects. It's the age when living is synonymous to luxury in some form or the other. Blending elegance with luxury, the residential market in Pune is gradually changing its dynamics.
    Cosy and comfortable living is what characterises Pune's new addresses. What do you get when you buy a luxury home? It's all about offering a grand living experience, adds Anmol Haval, head, sales and marketing, Amonora Park Town. "Exclusivity implies that along with all the amenities and add-ons, the owner gets complete privacy, security, a feeling of community and last but the not the least a feeling of being at home. The projects taking shape in Pune are all set to offer enormous floor plans with all the amenities and technology one could dream of. The owners will also get a true feeling of exclusivity because these projects have limited dwellings."
    Facilities are more important. With lack of open spaces, fitness zone is a big priority and many home buyers today who expect sidewalks, exercise area, reflexology path and a gymnasium. People need everything under one roof. Developers also need to keep in mind the need for a children's area like a skating rink, a crèche or incorporate sports infrastructure in their projects. More and more people are buying homes with sports-centric themes such as a mini-golf course and tennis court, with a focus on a health conscious lifestyle. Today, luxury is no longer a matter of price but of choice. Luxurious house is something that offers some refreshing moments.
    Pune has gradually started offering lavish and luxurious living spaces with emphasis on fine living. Dhanesh Mehta, Kundan Spaces, says, “The need for a design-centric approach has become very apparent. With the evolving of trends, the idea of luxury homes now is designer and luxury condominiums. The condominiums are a perfect solution for the luxury market, which offers all the features of a bungalow while catering to the taste and choice of a buyer as it also comes with additional benefits such as a good community and easier maintenance. Of late, design sensibilities in luxury homes have seeped in and that is an important distinguishing factor for a property."
    Today, a discerning consumer is well-aware of international and domestic trends and if a buyer is investing a crucial part of his earning, s/he expects standards in the design that reciprocate the investment.
    Opulent and luxurious lifestyle through good amenities which ensures that the residents do not need to step out of their complexes, coupled with prime locations, close proximity to vital basic and social infrastructure, makes living a real luxurious experience.

Aesthetic appeal Artifacts add that extra glam quotient, giving your home a creative look.

Aesthetic appeal

Artifacts add that extra glam quotient, giving your home a creative look.

    Your home decor reflects your style, taste and personality. It could be either contemporary or traditional depending on your budget and the space one can design their house.
    Artifacts add that extra glam quotient and make even a simple looking room stand out. While the greens add a touch of natural beauty to the external elevation, aspects like a patio, fountains, waterfalls, pergolas, urns, statuettes, and lanterns bring a mystical element to the outdoors. Stepping out into a verandah, it is the comfortable seating, mural on the wall, or antique swing that creates a charming prelude to the interiors. Indoors, the options for decor are unlimited. When the home is designed in a traditional style, Indian or foreign, the artifacts must suit the character of the home decor. Brass lamps, heavy silks, portraits on walls, and carved furniture make a statement. The decor items will follow suit whether it is metal statues or lamps, silverware on the side tables, or ethnic floor coverings like Persian carpets or durries.
    Whatever be your furniture and style of decor, artefacts serve as highlights, the key elements which determine the warmth and creativity of the interior. Even the most exotic furniture can appear cold in the absence of these decorative pieces. In the same vein, even the simplest furniture can be transformed to look exotic when blended with unique pieces of art work. It is a common perception that artefacts are expensive, outside the purview of an affordable décor. While artefacts can certainly be expensive, there are many exclusive pieces that can be stunning, available at affordable prices. Shalaka Pingale, owner of Sanskriti Lifestyle feels that doing up home is beyond the wall paints and furniture, "One can enhance any corner of their house by using different accent pieces. The distress finish is the latest trend. It breaks the monotony of the furniture colour. If you want to add a little colour and make a bold statement, you could move away from the white distress to any colour of your choice like green, lemon yellow or any other colour you fancy."
    The distress finish comes even in smaller shelves for you kitchen or bathrooms to candle stands and photo frames, Pingale adds. "Another thing which is a favourite these days is the statutes in real coral and turquoise. They come in Buddhas, Ganeshas, or musicians. The market has now come up contemporary artifacts."
    In bedrooms, personal items like bedside photo frames, indoor plants, bowls for knick-knacks, and window dressing can be tuned to complement the designs in the rest of the home so that there is a seamless flow of visual aesthetics all through the home. Alternatively, if the decision is to do up each room in different styles, there will be a variance. Personal touches in terms of preferences in colour, textured paints, or the
    kind of seating will dictate the
    look in these spaces. Other
    more functional spaces have minimal use of decoration. Kitchens are activity zones that can be made cheerful and inviting with pleasant colours of cabinets or countertops, some artwork on the walls, and attractive tiles. These days, utensils, crockery, and cutlery are aesthetically
    and artistically designed
    and add a touch of
    elegance to a dull and sometimes monotonous space.
    Swati Shah, owner, Simply Life, feels most people decorate their houses using artifacts for Feng Shui purpose. "Most people, while designing their houses with artifacts, prefer it to do it as mentioned in the Vastu science and in Feng Shui. You can place waterbodies like fountains, water paintings on the north-east side, laughing Buddha and tortoise with coins facing the main entrance of the house or your office. Terracotta pots could also be placed at the entrance where as the urli pots can be placed on your centre table filled with water and petals or floating candles. This would make your entire room look very attractive."    

Custom-made homes are witnessing a rising demand in Pune’s luxury segment

Custom-made homes are witnessing a rising demand in Pune’s luxury segment with city realtors offering a la carte experience 

    It's a space that belongs exclusively to you. Your home is an expression of your personality. It's one such place where you would always like to leave indelible mark. Buying a home as per builder's plan is now a passé as customisation has now entered the arena of housing as well. And when you are buying a home is luxury sector, you can always design it the way you want. Thanks to globalisation and an ever-increasing standard of living, Indians are no longer alien to the concept of custom homes. We all want to design our dream house but wouldn't it be amazing if we get to design its layout too? That is exactly what tailor-made apartments offer. You can not only plan your interiors, but also the layout of your house and rooms to every minute detail you require in your house.
    Custom-made homes are witnessing a rising demand in Pune's luxury sector with city realtors offering a la carte experience. Many projects with a la carte options have received an overwhelming response, agree Pune realtors in unison. Most of the developers in luxury sector have taken it forward. These a la carte options offer a plethora of choice to customers, right from floor plan styling, flooring types, brick work, plaster, electrification and paint shades to plumbing arrangements, bathroom fittings, finishing in the kitchen, styling of doors and windows and security features.
    Today's luxury customer is savvy and wants to make the optimum usage of investment, asserts Atul Chordia, chairman and CEO, Panchshil Realty. "Apartments are no more four walls. They are spaces shared by a family. Home is a place that breathes life and energy. The consumer today knows the value of this space. They know exactly what they want, and they want it to be done by someone else! This is where a brand - person or not - plays an important role. A branded home designed and styled professionally speaks volumes about the informed choices made by a client."
    Custom-made home is a wide concept, adds Rajesh Sankla of Siddhivinayak Group. "I don't think the idea of customisation could be confined to luxury sector alone. There is more to it. Those who cannot afford to buy their bungalows or luxurious villas customise flats fitting into their budgets. People aspire to stay in a bungalow. However, this is not always possible for many, owing to scarcity of land as well as the cost that goes into an independent house. Custom-made homes give them suitable options. Here, they can have the advantages of a residential project as well as the choice of having their own place of dwelling designed to their particular taste and requirement."
    However, when it comes to luxury sector, the concept of customisation is gaining ground, says Supriya Date, an interior decorator. "High-end homebuyers like to deign their homes as per their own choices. When they have been provided a plethora of options, they can choose as per their preferences and priorities as well. Customisation entered realty sector when the industry understood that every customer's priorities and preferences are different. In luxury sector, designed dwellings as per individuals' choices are more popular in Pune. This way, investors also get value for money."
    After all, customisation is something that offers you a complete living experience you had ever dreamt of!

chic interiors and world-class amenities

Moving a notch above

Along with Mumbai, Pune has witnessed exponential growth in the luxury segment over the last decade. According to realtors, luxury is more of a necessity today

    Transcending the confines of the four walls, home, as a concept, is much more evolved today. Modern-age residences make a style statement with sparkling spaces and elegant décor. That's the reason luxury sector is fast catching up in various cities where housing is synonymous to high-end living. Along with Mumbai, Pune has witnessed exponential growth in luxury segment over the last decade. Today, Pune has become part of the global technology movement and this fact is also reflected in the way luxury homes in the city have evolved.
    The concept of luxury housing in Pune has evolved steadily. This is a historic city with a rich background in luxury homes, which is evidenced by the palaces which existed even before the British arrived. The stately preindependence mansions with their Gothic grandeur; the impressive bungalows built by Pune's ultra-rich and the ultra-modern apartments more or less define the luxury housing segment in the city today. The advent of the IT revolution has brought new luxury addresses to the forefront and also redefined the very meaning of the word 'luxury'.
    The apartment and row house culture is now a firm fixture on the Pune real estate landscape, and this holds true for luxury homes as well. These are very space-efficient configurations. The latest architectural concepts now being employed by the city's leading
    developers have added a brand-new and extremely contemporary meaning to the word 'grandeur'.
    Though the concept of luxury housing has undergone many changes over the years, one aspect that has remained a constant is that of spaciousness. As property prices are largely determined by size, larger homes are considered luxurious but only if the location, amenities and surrounding infrastructure are also conducive to luxury living. Taking this into consideration, a city like Mumbai obviously falls short because even though size and amenities are offered in luxury apartments, the surrounding ethos and infrastructure does not match up with the concept. Pune city may witness this phenomenon but to a lesser degree. In terms of supportive infrastructure, luxury homes in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation are way ahead because the infrastructure is developed even before the residential component is brought in.
    Luxury customers are now aware of the latest trends in the market, asserts Rajesh Narang, vice president, sales and marketing, Pride-Purple Group. "They have become very choosy while selecting a project and also its specifications. Most of them prefer to go with a reputed builder for credibility. In Pune's realty market, luxury buyers are looking for bigger flats. International brands also play a key role."
    Thanks to the well-travelled discerning customers today, a luxury home today is the one that complements a premium lifestyle. It is a combination of chic interiors and world-class amenities.
    Branded homes are catching up, adds Atul Chordia, Chairman and CEO, Panchshil Realty. “Today’s buyer is smart, someone who understands the brand and relates to it at a personal level. When it comes to a particular brand, such class doesn’t want to compromise on quality. The cost of branded projects is subjective. It varies from project to project and brand to brand. A branded home in Mumbai may cost higher, but the same branded residence in Pune may cost lower due to the inherent nature of the market.”
    Home buyers these days, expect much more from their surroundings. Amenities play an important role in a buyer's decision, in purchasing a luxury house.

Alyque directs his play cast in Kolkata from Mumbai!

Alyque directs his play cast in Kolkata from Mumbai!

    The cast of his latest play may be 2,000 kms away, but Alyque Padamsee can direct them from Mumbai, from the comfort of home.
    Calling it a “very exciting” experience, he’s indulging in this through the use of a popular video messaging app. He says, “It is almost like directing a movie. I can see my cast on the screen. They are literally on camera.”
    He feels that this is an interesting way of approaching theatre because travel time is reduced and there is a lot of cost-cutting, thanks to the internet.
    “The beauty of this whole thing is that I can record the rehearsal and revise it and take my notes, unlike an actual theatre rehearsal,” says the director, who is also acting in the play and visits Kolkata once a month for the live rehearsals.
    There are, of course, some hiccups that most ‘first-time’ projects face. In Alyque’s case, “there are times when the line isn’t steady, there are days when the sound is off,” he says. However, it is the cross-continental interaction utility in theatre on any other subject, that excites him.
    “The show must go on,” he says, adding, “I am in Kolkata now to interact with my cast, with a badly injured leg, thanks to an accident that occurred when I fell off the stage during my last play, after the first act.”

Alyque Padamsee

How to prevent nail paint from drying out

BEAUTY BUZZ

How to prevent nail paint from drying out 

Switch off the fans: When applying nail polish, switch off the fan or the air conditioner, since they quicken the drying out process. 

No direct sunlight: Avoid keeping bottles in direct sunlight. During summer, keep them in the refrigerator.

Remover helps: When the nail paint starts to thicken, add a drop of nail polish remover to it. 

Shake it: Every three to four days, roll your nail polish bottle on your palm and gently shake it.

Bordeaux lips for you
    Be it runways or real life, deep, dry berry lips are everywhere. Celebs, divas and makeup enthusiasts are seen sporting them since the look is easy to wear and looks tempting. Here’s how you can pull off bordeaux lips like a star... 

Moisturise the lips Moist and hydrate your lips before going ahead with the lip colour, to avoid creases. Outline the lips with a similar colour or a darker shade lip pencil. 

Choose the colour Begin with choosing the perfect lip colour from berry stain, rich burgundy, matte maroon or deep purple. Bordeaux lips look best in matte, but get a slightly creamy formula that glides smoothly on the lips. After lip-liner, apply the colour and you are ready with fuller lips. 

Subtle skin Keep the skin rich and a little glossy with clear finish to balance the deeptone lips. Apply minimal blush and use neutral colours. Avoid highlighting the cheekbones too much. 

Highlight eyes You can either go dramatic with the eyes or keep it simple with a kajal. Use mascara and go dazzle at any party or celebration. 

 

Heritage brand Dwarkadas Chandumal Jewellers unveiled their latest diamond collection in association with the IIBS

SUSHMITA DAZZLES IN DIAMOND ON THE RAMP

    Heritage brand Dwarkadas Chandumal Jewellers unveiled their latest diamond collection in association with the IIBS. It was showcased at a recent show held at a suburban five-star hotel. While top models showcased the pretty statement pieces, Sushmita Sen was seen as the showstopper, dressed in bridal finery, which complemented the jewellery that adorned her. Deepak and Rajesh Tulsiani, directors of the company, were spotted taking care of the many guests who were present. It was also a moment of pride for them when their father, Dwarkadas Tulsiani, chairman of the group, received a lifetime award from the industry for his contributions. The event saw a mix of Bollywood and political faces as the guests.
    Having multiple shops across the city, the brand is known for its exquisite jewellery

Rajesh Tulsiani, Sushmita Sen and Deepak Tulsiani

Dwarkadas Tulsiani with the award

Dipannita Sharma

Sushmita Sen on the ramp