For ages, I never understood where I fit on the scale of hourly appreciation. I had attempted to become a night owl many times but failed spectacularly when; by 4am, all I could feel was a mix of numbness and sleep deprivation. Neither was I a morning bird because even all the coffee in the world couldn't shake off the 3pm sluggishness. After feeling like a misfit for far too long, I decided to write myself off as an afternoon person. Yes, it is a thing. We, midday lovers, enjoy the sunshine, warm breeze and tea breaks. You know, the best things about the afternoon.

Since then, I've altered my stance a bit. Some days, I do rise with the sun and enjoy the incredible quietness that only the early morning can bring. Other days late nights even turn into early mornings; like this one time, when a rooster began crowing just as I was hitting the hay. Through it all, I still found my peace in the middle of the day. I loved everything about it—grabbing post lunch ice-cream, finding thoughts flow out of my fingers instead of an afternoon lull and going on sunny drives. Even if I ever lean towards being a morning person or a night time lover, I know that the middle of the day is where the magic happens.

Melange bell sleeve blouse | Warehouse short dungarees | Forever 21 clogs | Topshop hand cuff | Silver earrings | DIY head scarf | Miss Bennett backpack | Look beauty 'Rose Riot' lip gloss | Essie 'We're all in this together' nail varnish

Photography: Leo Alemao / Style File

One such sultry afternoon, I decided to embrace everything I loved about midday and run with it. I'm talking flowing yet defined silhouettes, tousled waves and sunshine aplenty—an overall gypsy-esque aesthetic. Headlining the outfit is, the season's hottest trend i.e dramatic sleeves. Balancing the billowy top are fitted dungarees and clunky clogs. Giving it that final touch is a knotted head scarf, hand chain, rosy eye makeup and poppy lips. Set on a backdrop that's right out of the garden of Eden, it's the visual embodiment of my midday adoration. Safe to say it's only getting deeper.

xo
Dayle

As I write this, the first showers of rain are pitter-pattering against my window. Although it's just like a scene out of a novel, it also means one thing—the end of summer is nigh. While we've still got a couple of weeks until it's officially the monsoon and our rain boots are out in full form, it's probably time to bid the scorching summer goodbye. I definitely won't miss dealing with summer skin and getting drenched in sweat but there are a few things that I will, for certain. Mangoes as a dessert staple and summer beach days are just a few of them. To know what the rest of them are, take a look at what I've been doing, where I've been going and what I've been eating this season.

A surprise set of pretty pink blooms made an appearance in the garden this season. They took their time but were certainly worth it!

Indulging in a delectable bowl of pork belly ramen with (my favourite!) a runny egg. Don't miss my gin cocktail which had a chili in it!

If there was ever a picture to depict my mental happy place, this would be it—sandy, full of sunshine and besides the sea!

This little lady gave a whole new meaning to the words 'curious cat'. Besides having lovely eyes, she definitely wasn't shy!

Ripened mango flesh that's glistening with juice and beaming with vibrance. Need I say more?

A scene from my secluded cycling route back home. Every time I now see it, I wish I could have another of those sunny morning bike rides.

The antidote to every ferocious summer day is a classic iced coffee. One of my favourite beverages for summer and every other season!

 

A beautiful Sunday afternoon spent barbecuing in the backyard. Smokey air and delicious food is exactly what summer days are made of!

Followed quite a few tv shows over the summer. Somehow murder and deceit were a running theme through them all with 'Big Little Lies' being one of my top recommendations.

In a gluten-free, organic world, I'm the kind of girl who enjoys a juicy chicken burger with a side of French fries

 

I'm a complete beach baby at heart so just the sight of ripples, shells and sand is enough to pull my heartstrings

Photography: Raynor Pereira & Dayle Pereira

With a bunch of amazing memories made during my favourite season, it's safe to say that it was a summer well spent.

xo
Dayle

At the start of 2017, I vowed that it would be my year for wonderful skin. While that worked marvellously during the nippy winter and cool spring, it wasn't quite the same during summer. As the owner of oily skin which has the temperament of a moody teenager, summer can bring its own set of challenges. Namely dullness, ruddiness and greasiness to rival an oil spill.

Since everyone, especially myself, would like to skip past that to the part where they look like glowing goddesses, this bunch of beauty products can do just that. Post a bit of research and usage, I narrowed down on 3 makeup and skin care picks to give me sun-kissed, healthy skin this season. Withstanding immense humidity and scorching temperatures are all in a day's work for these products as they've now made their way to my dresser as summer skin staples.

When I want to customise my makeup

When my recent search for a BB cream came to a grinding halt, I blamed it on high expectations. Maybe wanting medium coverage with a light texture was too much to ask. That's when I realised, it wasn't a BB cream I was looking for, it was a customisable skin cover. Lo and behold, I found that in the Cover FX Custom Cover Drops. With its pipette dropper and ability to blend with facial oils, moisturisers and primers, it's been a complete game changer for my beauty routine. Winning the praises of beauty gurus from across the internet didn't hurt its case either! Don't let its runny, feather-light texture fool you—a little of these pigmented cover drops go a long way. Its easy customisation also meant that it was the one stop solution for tinted moisturiser, barely there makeup or a full coverage foundation.

When I want a clean face

There's something so satisfying about feeling spanking clean skin between your fingers after you've just washed your face. If you have oily skin, you know how quickly that feeling can slip away. Thankfully, the St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub brings that right back to me. The genius of this scrub lies in its granules which exfoliate away dirt without being abrasive. Its citrus fragrance and paraben-free formula is an added bonus. After working tirelessly to remove gunk and grime, this face scrub is now a permanent fixture in my weekly regime all through the year. If there's just one of life's simple pleasures that I enjoy, it's touchably smooth skin after a long week.

 Photography: Raynor Pereira // Design: Leo Alemao

When I want my cheekbones to pop

Whether you're a beauty lover or not, you're probably aware of ColourPop's cult-like following. While I didn't understand what made it so popular in the beginning, using their products changed that for me. Apart from their iconic liquid lipsticks, the ColourPop Super Shock Highlighter is proof in itself. 'Avalon' is an incredibly pigmented, glitzy copper shade—perfect for warm, bronzy Indian skin. Its velvety smooth formula melts into the skin like butter on warm toast. As the shade also doubles up as a blush and an eyeshadow, it doesn't really get more versatile than this one.


xo
Dayle

Perspective is a funny thing. Not 'ha-ha' funny but the thought provoking kind. From the time I was 14, driven by sketch-filled scrapbooks and fashion movies, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I envisioned the hallowed halls of a fashion magazine replete with glistening marble floors and whimsical paintings on the walls. Women would be striding through the corridors in stilettos, designer spectacles and fitted blazers—and I'd be one of them.
Of course when I did actually join one, that changed drastically. While many of them did resemble my vision of the modern working woman, I just wouldn't have it. Blazers, stilettos, spectacles—I wanted none of them and yet, I couldn't seem to put my finger on what exactly I wanted to wear. Even back then, I knew that clothes were a lot more than just garments to me. Years later, with a little more perspective and redefined personal style, the mark of a modern woman became as clear as day to me. She was refined, confident in her own skin and never afraid to stand out.

1 Like No Other printed shirt | Marks & Spencer culottes | Steve Madden floral stilettos | Kazo dangler earrings c/o | Aldo bracelets | Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker 'Punch Bowl' lip gloss | 

NYX 'Lady First' nail varnish

 Photography: Leo Alemao

The idea of boardroom chic dressing, with its pencil skirts and starched shirts always appealed to me. However, once I was in the throes of it, there was nothing I wanted less. With a change in scenery and the wisdom of my early twenties in hand, I learned that it wasn't the style of dressing that dissuaded me, it was my state of mind. So with the scorching sun as my backdrop, I decided to do a bit of physical and mental spring cleaning to give my version of the modern career woman one last shot. With new perspective in the right direction, this was my complete look.

Summer meant I couldn't stay away from pastels and so, I literally strutted in from top to toe. While culottes weren't always my cup of tea, this linen beauty in powder blue changed that for me. I even went all out with a glossy pink lip, a purple eye makeup look and on-point printed sandals to bring it all together. In a breeze, boardroom dressing went from stuffy and bland to sophisticated and chic. Now who would have thought it could look this phenomenal!


xo
Dayle

Being experimental with my hair has had its perks—I've found hair care products that do magic for me, I've discovered a comfortable length that works for my face shape and I've even found lowlights that are subtle enough to sport at work. However, not without its failings. While experimenting led me to my new bob a few summers ago and helped me find a friend in dry shampoo, it also led to some disastrous experiments that took place behind the scenes.

The most scarring of them have been bad haircuts. Yes, I say haircuts in plural because were multiple times when my hair looked like something Edward Scissorhands would have been responsible for. I've had a too-short fringe that belonged on a 60's pin-up poster, a shaggy crop that made me look like a teenage boy and a fantastically styled 'do that unravelled minutes after I left the salon.

Even for someone who isn't very attached to her hair, they cut deep. However, through the awful cuts and awry trims, I learned that it is possible to get a good haircut and it doesn't just depend on your hairstylist. Yes, a truly good, 'makes-me-want-to-kiss-my-reflection' kind of haircut. It took years of hair trials and tribulations to create the list of how I did it, which you'd want to know about of course—what self-respecting beauty lover would you be if you didn't!

Know your hair

Before you step into a salon, understand you own hair. Is it straight, wavy or curly? Is it prone to breakage, split ends or frizz? Is it thick or thin in volume? These are questions that will shape your hairstyle. Next, find your face shape and the hairstyles that suit both, your shape and texture. Together, they'll help you form an idea of what you want when you speak to your stylist.

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Find the right hairstylist

When it comes to this one, the struggle is real. Hairstylists can be intimidating to the extent that you come out looking completely different because you got coaxed into a hairdo you didn't intend. They can also be extremely uninvolved and just eager to get it over with. Unfortunately there's no easy to way to find the right one other than testing and trying them. Ask everyone you know with covet-able hair who they go to and try a trim with them for yourself. If you're pleased, go in for the whole shebang. Find out what area of expertise the stylist specialises in; short crops, styling, layers etc so that you can select them based on their speciality.  Exhausting, I know but what works for someone else may not work for you. Play the field for the right hairstylist and with a little luck, you'll find them.

Expensive need not be good

I've come to learn that a high price being equated to an excellent service or product is the most illogical belief. While I say this from my experience of surprisingly spectacular restaurants and budget beauty products, hairstylists also fall under this category. While a more expensive hairstylist is meant to be more experienced and knowledgeable, this isn't always true. I've actually noticed that the more I shell out for a chop by the creative director/head stylist/other fancy designation, the less attention my hair gets, which results in a strictly mediocre cut. Regardless of whether a stylist is fairly new to the hair game or has been in it for years, don't let price be the sole factor in choosing them. Look for someone who understands your hair and is receptive to opinions.

Stand your ground

When you're finally in the stylists chair, it's very easy to get lured into their recommendations. They throw around words like layering and glossiness which can easily intimidate you. They may even recommend an exorbitant treatment or unnecessary colour job which can make you look ridiculous. Save yourself the horror and instead, stand your ground on what you want. While it is important to take your hairstylist's input into consideration (they are the experts after all!), don't let it persuade you into doing something you aren't comfortable with. You're paying good money for a hairstyle you want so politely take their recommendation and assert your choice because you'll be the one sporting the style for the next few months.

Don't let styling fool you

Between the whirring of the blowdryer and wafting fragrance of fancy argan oil, it's pretty easy to think that your hair looks great once finished. But don't be fooled by the guise of clever styling. You'll be amazed at how a simple blowout can leave you thinking your hair looks a Victoria's Secret Angel. Unfortunately, that may all change a few washes later. While styling is great to add flair, at its base the haircut needs to be well done. Once it is, whether styled or not, it will look fantastic.

xo
Dayle

My obsession with a good TV show always follows the same stages. It starts with curiosity—snippets begin popping up on my newsfeed or my friends discuss it over lunch. Next is trial where I give in to societal pressure and watch an episode. Finally, I realise its incredible and binge-watch it for 12 hours over the weekend or disappointing and stop soon after. Goliath fell in the former category. I caught a glimpse of it on the Amazon Prime tab and soon enough, I was pressing play to the next episode. No surprise here but I finished the legal drama; rather unhealthily, over a single weekend.

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Besides my obsession to desperately find out what happens in the next thrilling episode, there was one more thing that caught my eye in Goliath—the fashion. Since much of the season takes place in the plush office of an upmarket legal firm, the Goliath girls were chic, prim and polished. Especially if you work or study in a formal environment with a dress code, this can come in handy. That's why I've compiled a list of the workwear inspired tips I learned from the girls of Goliath.

Trust the staples

I believe it's incredibly important to have a couple of trusty looks in your pocket which you can pull out on rushed mornings. Like Callie's staple red pout and side parted bob, I turn to winged eyeliner and a swipe of lip gloss when I'm blanking. It's a fail safe way to still look presentable and pulled together, even though your mind may not feel the same way.

Basics needn't be boring

If one thing's for sure in Goliath's first season, it is that Michelle McBride is remarkably well-dressed and has the most stunning house. She's an easy breezy kind of lady who manages to look like a million bucks with only a Birkin and beachy waves. Michelle's consistent pairing of gentle pastels with relaxed neutrals is the perfect summer uniform for any office environment as it stays formal without being boring, something I can't wait to try myself!

Blaze of glory

Did a sudden meeting crop up? Did mustard from your sandwich spill on your collar? Are you looking for a way to revamp your summer dress? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the solution lies in a blazer. Like the lady bosses of Goliath, there's no trouble too big for a blazer. It'll uplift any drab dress, hide any gruesome stain and have you commanding a room the second you step in it.

Polished and prim

If you've have days when you've barely managed to get out of bed; let alone down your coffee and get dressed for work, remember you aren't alone. We've all been there, sometimes on consecutive days in a week. Since your limited time and patience won't allow a full face of make up, aim to look natural yet polished like these lovely ladies from Goliath. Groom your face, tie your hair and throw in an accessory—no one will even be able to tell the difference!

Borrow from the boys

And I'm not talking about plaid shirts and snapback caps—we're women for pete's sake, not teenagers. Especially if yours is a fashion centric work environment, a touch of androgyny will be welcomed. Whether she's commanding a courtroom or overseeing an office meeting, Callie flaunts her androgyny to perfection! So make like her and set your eye on a suave male closet, dig out a fitted coat, slim tie and a white shirt. She'd be beaming with pride!

xo
Dayle