To me, a good day always began with a crisp shirt, hearty breakfast and well-stocked bag. I believed that was all I needed to take on the world—a great outfit, a sense of preparedness and a full stomach. And it worked well for a while until I realised I needed more than that. Something that diligently ran the mental circuits; a great controller if you will. That's when it hit it me—a steely mind was the answer.

The world is a wildly unpredictable place. You could step out in the morning and meet a thunderstorm, a lottery winning ticket, a horrible argument, a fantastic new eatery or a zoo of unleashed animals. The possibilities are endless and only a head that's sensibly placed on your shoulders can prepare you for anything. Something that avocado toast and pin striped button downs cannot do. Even with the worst outcome, a strong, secure mind can keep your wits about you and steady your stride. It's true, you know; mind really does triumph over matter. Once you've got a nut that's tough as nails, absolutely nothing can stand in your way.

Bershka cutout bodysuit {London} | Nuon olive shirt | Topshop high waist denim shorts {London} | Kazo neon sling bag [Previously seen here] | Forever 21 enamel badges {Paris} | Aldo ankle strap sandals  |Forever 21 chain link bracelet | Maybelline Colorama 'Absinto' | Lakme x Masaba Lip Pout 'Caramel Toffee' 

Photography: Leo Alemao / Style File

Keeping in tune with my newly resolved mind was my tough girl look. The sexy cutout bodysuit adds a touch of oomph to the rugged outfit. Along with it, gladiator sandals with gold hardware and a neon bag lend a bit of charm.

Right from the time Hilary Swank threw a few punches on screen in Million Dollar Baby, I associated boxer braids with a no-nonsense beauty look. So obviously, I used this outfit as an excuse to braid my bob length hair into meticulous boxer braids and give my forearms a workout in the bargain. Creamy peach lips, metallic cat eye makeup and bronzy cheeks finished it off with a chic touch. Nothing spells out fierce quite like this, my friends.

xo

Dayle 

It's a well known fact that red lips have had more than their fair share in the limelight. A rouge pout is now every girl's Saturday night staple, hand bag must-have and no-fail celebrity beauty trick—haven't we all heard that before! So don't you think another shade deserves a spin in the spotlight? Well, I most certainly do!

Over the past year, I've begun wearing more purple lipstick and unintentionally, trying and testing it as well. Whether they've been in cool lilac tones or deep plums, something about purple lipstick gives my face a bright, dazzling look. Before you think it's one of those niche shades to save for a daring day out (blue lips, I'm looking at you!), newsflash: I've flaunted a pair of purple lips to work meetings, birthday parties and event launches with elan. So without any further ado, here are 5 of my favourite purple lipsticks which look divine on Indian skin tones for every occasion.

For Friday night dancing

If you ever had a doubt about purple lipstick, the MAC Flat Out Fabulous will clear all confusion. It is a gorgeous vibrant plum shade that can complement absolutely any complexion. In fact, it was once my last resort when I was wearing a sunshine yellow dress and would you believe it—it looked amazing! As with any MAC retro matte, it sits comfortably on the lips and gives them a velvety matte finish.


For no-fuss rushed mornings

It isn't news that I'm a Miss Claire fan—what they lack in originality, they make up for in pricing and shades. The shade 15 from their lip cream range is one such winner. The rosy purple shade is a subtle upgrade to everyday mauve tones and gives just the right hint of matte colour that's easy on the lips. Especially on rushed mornings when you can't afford to give your lip colour a second thought, make this your go-to purple lipstick.


For a lunch date

If this pleasant lavender hue reminded you of Aishwarya's infamous Cannes outing, fear not because that was much cooler toned than this. An unusual shade, I'll admit but Look Beauty's Double Hit Lip in Berry Blast does justice to it. One side of the tube houses a creamy lilac lipstick and the other, a sheer gloss in the same shade. If it's intense purple or a glossy hue of it, this is the answer. Plus, it has a delightful coconut fragrance to boot!


For a work meeting

If you thought purple lipsticks were all fun and games, the shade W273 from Lakme's Enrich Satin range will prove you wrong. It's a burgundy toned violet that glides smoothly on the lips and lends it a soft, satin finish. The best part is, it isn't outrageous or loud so it's the perfect choice for a day at the office if you don't want to raise any eyebrows. Although it isn't very long lasting, it's an affordable starter to enter the purple lipstick family.


For the mid-week blues

Lychee by Colourpop signifies the beginning of many things to me—it was my very first Colourpop product, my first matte liquid lipstick and my first true purple colour. It was definitely risky selecting such an adventurous shade online but once I came to terms with the electrifying violet shade, there was no going back. It's incredibly pigmented and sits put once it sets but it can feel dry after a few hours. However for a daring purple lipstick that doesn't move an inch, it's all you need.

xo
Dayle

Through the years, I've had my fair share of phases. There was the heels one where I couldn't resist a spanking new pair of pumps. Even hats and nail polishes had their moment in the sun. The past couple of years have been about bags and I'm starting to suspect that it isn't just a phase—it's a love story for the ages. Whether it's a clear sling I whipped up on the wave of the transparent trend or a monogrammed tote I stuff to the gills on busy days, I'm slowly and steadily finding my bag staples and making them my own. However, the mini crossbody has alluded me for far too long.

So I decided to take things into my own hands and make one myself. It's tiny, can hold the essentials and barely takes a half hour. If you want to make your own mini crossbody bag, here's how to do it.

The main components you'll need for the bag are two large pieces of slightly thick canvas cloth with one of them being in a rectangular shape. If the material is too thin, the bag will go limp so choose your fabric wisely. To assemble the bag, you'll need fabric glue, a pair of scissors, a needle and a thick thread. To hold your bag, you need a matching cord with tassels attached or you can add them separately.

In place of the rectangular piece of cloth which forms the body of your bag, I'm using a basic fold up cloth pouch from 11.11. To make your rectangular cloth in its shape, fold 1/3rd of the its width over the centre section. Stitch the sides together to close the ends and keep the top flap open as the mouth of your bag.

 

Once the main body of your bag is ready, place the second piece of cloth inside it, roughly measure and cut it according to its size. This additional piece of cloth is meant to reinforce the strength of the bag so that it doesn't fall flat. That's why it's important to choose a cloth that's of a similar colour and fairly sturdy in size.

Then over one side of the loose cloth, apply a layer of fabric glue. Be generous with the glue because we want it to stick to the inner side of the bag properly without any loose edges coming out.

When the glue is wet, carefully layer it on the inside of the main body of the bag and stick it in place. If you find the edges coming out, add more glue and press it in place. Once you're done with the fabric glue step, allow it to dry completely for 15 minutes before you proceed. 

Measure the length of the cord according to your body and snip it to that length. I usually wear my crossbody bags somewhere near my thigh so I used that as a measure. Use the needle and thread to sew either end of the cord on the uppermost point on the side of the bag's body. Over the point of stitching, stick or sew a tassel in place on either sides. Over the top flap of the main body, add a matching cord or ribbon which can be tied to close the bag.

There you have it—a mini tasseled crossbody body that you can carry for a fun outing. Since it's fairly lightweight, I'd advise you not to overstuff it. It'll be just right for your phone and a few cards so take it for a spin on your next girl's brunch.

xo
Dayle

When push comes to shove and you're left to choose between A and B, it isn't as easy as soul-searching a bit and making a choice. If it was that simple, we'd all be living our lives like Pinterest-esque motivational quotes. But no, it isn't—decision-making is tough stuff. It's driven by situations we live in, folks surrounding us and the point we are at that moment. It can take a whole lot of blood, sweat, tears and fill us with apprehension, regret and finally, freedom. It needs the strategy of your mind, the strength of your body and yes, the satisfaction of your heart. But don't give your heart a free-hand at the wheel. He's a tricky guy who makes emotionally-pleasing choices that can turn out wrong. Getting your heart and mind on the same page is half the job in itself. Because once you do, making the right decision will be so simple. It'll make your soul sing, lend you peace of mind and give your heart exactly what it wanted.

River Island stripe bandeau dress {London} | Street stall bought denim shirt {Colaba causeway} | Accessorize crossbody bag [Previously seen here] | Nike Roshe sneakers | Barry M gelly nail paint in 'pink punch' | Rimmel by Kate Moss lipstick #20 [Reviewed here]

 

Photography: Leo Alemao / Style File

When it came to this outfit however, I gave my heart free rein and it came up with this spunky athleisure look. I know, I overuse the word athleisure but I can't get enough of it! This time around, I've embraced classic breton stripes in a figure hugging silhouette with bardot sleeves. Over it, I've thrown together a worn-in denim shirt and crossbody mini bag. However, it's my newest possession, the stunning Nike roshe all black sneakers that stole the look and my heart too. I paired it with a loose curly bob, large lashes, a hot pink lip and matching fuchsia nails. With its sporty touch and feminine flair, this look is whole lot more than my heart can handle.

xo

Dayle

The last time I came home after a voracious shopping spree with a handful of bags was years ago. It all started during sale season when I couldn't take my eyes off a tulle skirt. At the second store, it was a printed dress. At the third, it was a denim jacket. I then sat down to dinner with a victory pizza to celebrate my tiring evening of pointless spending. Since then, I've come a long way. I resist impulse purchases, I don't throw money at sales and most importantly, I care much more about quality. I know, I know; the girl with the handful of bags had an epiphany and changed her approach to fashion completely—it sounds like something Rebecca Bloomwood would do. But it didn't happen overnight and it definitely wasn't easy.

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Like many others, the constant cycle of sale season, fashion month and 'I-need-new-clothes-for-this-meeting' meant buying a new bodycon skirt or dress without any reason, thought or need. Regardless if the stitches came loose or the print faded in a couple of washes, I kept going back for more (and I wasn't even a shopaholic!). Being part of the fashion and beauty sphere didn't make it any easier. Constantly scrolling through Instagram, experimenting with new trends on Style File or following what's in vogue made me want to be a part of it too. When millennial pink hit the headlines, I wanted a pair of culottes in that shade. When Gigi Hadid made the news, I wanted the varsity jacket she was spotted in. Consumerism hit me from every side—the internet, the papers and the streets. That's when I knew I needed an overhaul, stat.


The change began with a quote—'Buy things you see yourself wearing forever.' It switched on a light in my head. I retraced all the clothes, shoes and junk jewellery I had bought in the past couple of years. Would I really wear the asymmetrical skirt and neon clutch after they faded from the trend spotlight? Probably not. Was it sensible to buy a cardigan half off to find its colour fade by itself in my closet? Not really. It struck me that all my purchases meant nothing if they didn't last. If you thought regret was bad when you didn't buy what you wanted, it's infinitely worse when you do buy it and realise it's a hasty decision made in the fear of losing out.

That's when I realised how important quality was. Quality in fashion meant my clothing, accessories and jewellery would be of higher quality materials and sit gently on my skin. They wouldn't fade, crinkle or pill in a wash or two. They wouldn't lose shape, have their handles break or their fabric peel when the weather got humid. Yes, quality products tend to be more expensive, difficult to find and care for but in the long run, they are smarter, more economical purchases. Especially during sale season, I still get pangs to pick up a trendy top or a frivolous skirt. Like a balanced diet, I do occasionally allow myself a taste of the cheat clothing. But when I think about the quality I strive for, the smart choices I've made so far and that striking quote, most items always go back on the rack.

That's when I knew it wasn't just my personal style that needed quality, it was the rest of my life too. That meant 8 blissful hours of sleep every night, a daily workout that got my heart pumping and a nutritious meals that kept me full through the day. For a more happy, productive and fulfilling life, all I needed was quality. Imagine that—being completely happy and wearing high quality threads, now that's a good life.

xo
Dayle

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