I need no persuasion to admit that I am a denim lover. I could live in straight fit jeans and relaxed t-shirts, they feel like home to me. So even though denim doesn't have the best reputation in the monsoon, I was pleased at its sudden peak in popularity even in this sticky heat; all thanks to the patches trend. From jackets to jeans, the fabric got a redux with sassy slogans and smirking emojis adorning it. Obviously, being eager to join the the cool, patch-wearing gang, I decided to create a DIY project with a personal touch.

After immersing myself in my closet, I soon found a way to bring together my love for denim and excitement for patches to create this project. If you're looking to add patches to your outfit without looking like yet another high-street clone, this tutorial is for you. Ok? So let's get down to business.

The items you need for the project are commonly found in your sewing box at home. For the t-shirt to create the patch appliqué on, I've chosen a basic white tank since that will stand out best on the denim.

The denim pocket is to be cut out from an old pair of jeans so wisely choose a pair that you do not fancy wearing any more. In order to separate the pocket from the pant, use a blade to cut the stitching from inside the pocket. For my DIY project, I've chosen a customised pocket that I received as part of an invite.

Next, place the newly separated denim pocket on the top right hand corner of your t-shirt and use a pencil to mark where it should be affixed. This is to ensure its steady placement through the process, even if your hand slips.

Quick tip: Before marking it, I wore my t-shirt and placed the pocket on it in front of the mirror. This allowed me to adjust the pocket placement according to my arm movement without blindly fixing it in place.

It's time to give your denim pocket some grooming. Most likely, you'll find loose fibres peeking out of the edges of the pocket so use your scissor to trim it thoroughly. We don't want any of those unsightly strands showing up on our pocket now, do we!

With the t-shirt marked and the pocket groomed, all that is left to do is affix it in place. For most projects, I always follow a glue and stitch method because it gives it double security to stay in its place.

To do that, I start by using fabric glue, one of my most important DIY essentials. Apply the fabric glue on the edges of the reverse of the pocket and follow the previous pencil markings to stick it in place.

While the fabric glue works its magic on it, start with the second part of the sealing method. Use a matching threaded needled to stitch the edges of the pocket at the sides and the bottom. Keep the stitches small in size so that it isn't visible on the t-shirt. Once done, leave the t-shirt to dry for 6 hours so the pocket is firmly secured in place and ideal to be used.

 Photography: Raynor Pereira | Artwork: Leo Alemao

And you are ready to join in the patches trend, albeit with a bit of personalisation. Apart from being incredibly trendy, I especially like how practical this DIY project is. It's so wearable that it even found its way into my Lakmé Fashion Week outfit line-up!

Like me, I hope that you too liked the tutorial and get crafty with an old pair of jeans. So this weekend, you know what's keeping you busy - now get DIY-ing already!

xo
Dayle

Covering Lakmé Fashion Week for the past few years has made it feel like second nature for Style File, yet it manages to feel fresh every time I step into the marble floored venue. It isn't only the clothing collections or the starry showstoppers that are responsible for this feeling, it's the atmosphere of that coveted week. So come those heady five days and instead of a morning cuppa, I'm watching a morning ramp walk. My trusty leggings and sneakers are replaced with a more fashion week-worthy wardrobe.

Routine is a long-forgotten dream and the week becomes a blur of heightened activity and excitement. No territory is left uncharted - from the buzzing backstage area to the celebrity vanity rooms. Once the furore of fashion week died down and I finally went through my camera roll; it gave me a peek into those busy moments. These included celebrity showstoppers, long hours spent shooting and of course, immense amounts of style, which I'm sharing with you today.

Splendid shades of sarees at the Tulsi Silks show

(L) Sitting pretty before Tarun Tahiliani's opening show // (R) The final line-up at Runaway Bicycle

 

(L-Top) Decadence at Sabyasachi's finale show // (L-Bottom) Beach ready at Shivan & Narresh // (R) Hello yellow at Gaurang's show

Keeping it light with red lips, fluttery lashes and a highlighted face on day 1

 

The saree in 3 ways - (L and R) Tulsi Silks // (Centre) Payal Khandwala

Fuelling up during fashion week with a Hazelnut Mochacchino

(L) Raising the glitter game with sequin trousers and an all-black look on opening night // (R) Dia Mirza looking like the Indian dream girl she is at the Tulsi Silks show

Twinning in our Stan Smith's on day 3

(L) Suhani Pittie ups the drama // (Centre) Backstage before Tresemme's 'Big Hair Don't Care' show // (R) Kallol Dutta keeping it airy

Ranbir Kapoor gets a roaring applause and many wild screams for Kunal Rawal

(L) Going up close with Manish Malhotra's details // (R) Atsu goes chic in brights and achromatic shades

Models striking a pose backstage at Payal Khandwala's show

 Photography: Leo Alemao / Style File

xo

Dayle

When fashion week arrives, there's a heady buzz that fills the atmosphere. The backstage area is filled with post-show glee, the flashbulbs are flashing at a million miles an hour and everybody who is anybody is dressed to the nines. A week prior, when I was planning my fashion week wardrobe, I knew that I was bound to be busy. For a beauty editor at Lakmé Fashion Week, it's a juggling act of interviews, show and shoots.

 Keeping with my style sensibilities, I decided to play my favourite athleisure card since I knew it would get me through to the fashion week finishing line while looking amazing. Here's a daily diary of what I wore to the Lakmé Fashion Week.


On day 1, I was raring to go and anticipating a lot of action, so I opted for light washed jeans with a DIY patchwork t-shirt. To balance the sportiness of the look, I paired it with a sleek bob and red lip.

 

  DIY Denim patch tank [Tutorial here] | Zara ripped high waist jeans | Michael Kors Monogram Satchel [Previously seen here] | Converse all-stars sneakers | DIY tiger brooch + Gifted fast food pins

Day 2 of fashion week was spent at a shoot hence, comfort was key to me while I intended on dressing a little girly. To serve both purposes, I paired a tulle skirt with sturdy oxfords and a large tote to get me through the day.

Topshop camisole {London} | Topshop floral skirt {London} | Zara tote | Ginger by Lifestyle cape | La Judi Oxfords {Bandra} [Previously seen here]

The midway mark of day 3 brought out the excitement in me. That's when I styled my favourite look of this season which involved my dream shoes and one of my favourite cartoon characters. I kept my bob straight and went with a coral lip.

Customised sweashirt [Coming soon!] | Topshop sequin mini skirt {London} | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers | Miss Benett backpack

I've always love both sportiness as well as femininity so on day 4, I decided to mix them together. For this, I went for a light, fresh look that was trendy by pairing a frilly maxi skirt with white kicks and keeping the rest of the look muted.

Zara tank | Forever 21 maxi skirt | Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers | Louis Vuitton Neverfull handbag

By the 5th day of fashion week, I decided to power through by keeping it bright. For this, I wore a simple yet vibrant dress which I complemented with neutral accessories, loose curls and a bold lip. Just what I needed to complete a manic, fashionable week in style!

 

Warehouse silk dress {London} | Louis Vuitton Neverfull handbag | Forever 21 Thong sandals

Photography and artwork - Leo Alemao 

I'm pretty sure you've guessed my favourite look at Lakmé Fashion Week so which one did you like the best?

xo

Dayle

Up until a few years ago, skincare was around number three on my list of beauty priorities. Somewhere down the line, an unexpected breakout on my relatively clear skin made me sit up and take notice. Many dermatologist visits later, skin shot up to number one on that priority list. This was followed by my face hogging all the attention, which is when I learned that I had oily skin. Now if you're a slick faced lady like myself, you'll know that it definitely isn't easy like a Sunday morning. In fact, it is more like a treacherous Tuesday from where you can see the weekend but it isn't even close.

Yes, if skin types were days of the week, oily skin would be Tuesday. It gives you hope of a clear face but the greasy texture and unexpected blackheads always seem to cloud that vision. Girls with greasy skin, you feel me. It can seem like an unending cycle of washing, moisturising and blotting. Between complex routines and new techniques that I could barely wrap my head around, I wondered if I'd ever be able to manage my oily skin.

And there was my answer to this greasy conundrum - exfoliation. It was so simple and easy; and yet, I hadn't even considered it. Imagine if you will a surface that needs a refresh, stat. The most natural course of action would be to get scrubbing to give it a brand new look, right? Then why should it be any different for our skin? That's when I discovered the Himalaya Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub. Arriving in my life when I needed it the most, it felt like it had been dropped straight from the heavens.

Powered with Crab Apple, Wheat Germ Oil and Walnut Shell, this product is a powerhouse of talent. The greatest apprehension I had with a face scrub is that it should be gentle on my skin even while scrubbing. I'm glad to report that the Himalaya Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub does just that with its potent trio of key ingredients. The Crab Apple soothes away any skin inflammation and stops the degradation of cells. The Walnut Shell micro-particles exfoliate away the dead skin cells while keeping the blackheads at bay. And while the skin is being scrubbed, the Vitamin E and natural Anti-oxidants within the Wheat Germ Oil care for it.

All it took was a few washes to scrub away any apprehensions I had about exfoliation. While the Himalaya Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Scrub left my skin visibly and physically different, it made sure to leave it tender. The texture of the scrub feels gritty within my fingers but not abrasive; an important aspect which makes all the difference when exfoliating. That's how it goes into the pores to unclog any residue and build-up for blackheads to be kept at a safe distance. Along with face washing, my skin longed for more and that's just what it got. With soft, happy skin, I couldn’t be thankful enough!

If you're looking to get unbelievably soft, smooth skin, don't spare another second and visit the Himalaya website, Facebook and YouTube pages.

xo

Dayle

*Disclaimer: Sponsored story with honest, genuine opinions

Through the years, I've adored and idolised many great women and their style sensibilities. From Lauren Conrad's SoCal vibe to the Gossip Girl's immaculate style, I find personal style icons in the unlikeliest of places. I spot them in the midst of TV shows, glossy pages and retweets and recently, a lady that has got my attention is Zendaya Coleman.

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I discovered Zendaya at a rather odd time - right in the middle of a controversy. While I thought she looked divine among the sea of beautiful people on Oscars red carpet, it was the reaction to her look that sparked a fire. But it was her confidence and the way she eloquently shut down the critics that caught my eye. The more I discovered Daya, the better it got. She was a blazing hot streak of style and support that encouraged positiveness all around.

There's no doubt about it - Daya is a gorgeous girl. Whether she is suiting up with elan or frolicking in ruffles, there's no look that this fashion queen cannot pull off. But what made me sit up and notice Zendaya wasn't just her immaculate sense of style; it was more than that. I think it was probably the reason why she caught my eye in the first place - her forthrightness.

Admittedly, even at just 19, Zendaya has seen her fare share of controversy and has come out standing strong. The critics tore down her mullet hairstyle and the haters tried to body shame her for being too bony or too thick but Daya would have none of it. She responded with positive messages, flawless photos and a smoking hot dose of sass. No wonder she's known as the queen of clapbacks.

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From shooting to fame as a Disney star, Zendaya has come a long way. Once she debuted on television, she went on to lend her voice to movies and make guest appearances on them. This was followed by signing a recording deal to release a debut album and a video which received millions of views. Soon enough, her background in dance and theatre propelled her to take the stage on Dancing With The Stars. Daya is also a published author and has launched Daya By Zendaya which is a women's footwear line that is inspired by her own closet.

When it comes to the beauty sphere, even in her teens, Zendaya is a force to be reckoned with! I'd term her as a style chameleon - blink and she'll be sporting dark matte lips and a slick ponytail. Blink again and she's in hoops and sultry red lips. Even while constantly experimenting, this glamazon tilts towards the look of luxe fashionista and looks chic beyond her years. If there was ever a risky trend no one wanted to take their chances on, Daya would be the one flaunting it with panache. Ear cuffs, defined brows, dramatic talons and cornrows are just a few of the looks that she sports gorgeously. If there was ever a role model that combined fierceness, positiveness and style in one body, Zendaya is the girl for the job.

xo
Dayle

Around a year ago, before bobs became commonplace and pixies became popular, I decided to bite the bullet and cut my hair short. Going by my angular face structure, I had always toyed with the idea of a short crop; something I hadn't attempted since my school days. So once I stepped up to the plate and took the plunge, it was liberating. My new bob felt freeing and chic, like some kind of petite Parisian girl who roamed with baguettes in her bicycle basket.

 
But the snip was only half the battle won. Once the fabulous salon styling wore off, I learned that treating my tresses right was necessary for happy hair. A year and numerous haircuts later, I'm still sporting a bob. What has changed, however, is the way I look after it. I've started paying more attention to my scalp and hair texture so that my bob can look its best day after day. This season, I'm cheering for a few hair care favorites who have got me across the line to good hair days all monsoon long.

On days when my style needs an upgrade

On seemingly endless days, I want my fantastically styled hair to last through the day with me. To remedy this, I've concluded that frizz is the enemy of short hair. So on my journey to skipping frizz and getting lasting smoothness, the TIGI Bed Head Control Freak is my guiding light. This potion works as a prep step before heat styling as well as alone, as an anti-frizz serum. The glitter laden serum works well to maintain my styling for longer and makes it manageable so that my bob is all set for the day ahead.

On days when my hair needs some lovin'

When my otherwise happy bob becomes lifeless, I know it's time to nourish it. I've known and loved the Garnier Ultra Doux range through my childhood so when it arrived in a brand new avatar as Garnier Ultra Blends, you can imagine my delight. My favorites from the range are the Royal Jelly and Lavender as well as the Soy Milk and Almonds. The delectable fragrance tricks me into thinking that it is almost good enough to eat and the luscious ingredients are like a generous buffet for my hair. How I love the the feeling of coming from a bath with my hair smelling divine and feeling so much healthier!

On days when I need to pull through

Combine late night dancing with a hurried start to the day and you get a morning that needs quick results. Even if I'm skipping a wash, I still need my hair to look like it has put in the effort. That's when the Batiste Dry Shampoo comes to my rescue. As its name rightly suggests, the dry shampoo refreshes my scalp instantly and sucks the grease right off it. The classic fragrance is clean and soapy and cuts out any staleness with ease. Definitely serving as a shortcut to my hair routine, it leaves my hair feeling clean without any spent on it.

Photography: Raynor Pereira // Design: Leo Alemao

xo

Dayle