Get Good Basics

I firmly believe that it’s important to invest in well-made basic pieces before fun, statement ones. I especially love buying denim jeans, shorts & skirts – I make sure to get medium to heavy weight 100% cotton clothing as stretch definitely wears out over time. I also don’t mind spending more on good quality shoes & accessories (think fine jewellery such as dainty rings & watches with metal straps).

Don’t Be Boring

While this may contradict my previous point, I don’t think your entire wardrobe should be staid to help it’s longevity. Take this outfit I put together a few weeks ago-

The top is a relatively recent purchase from Uniqlo, but the skirt and I go waaaaaayyyy back. It was an impulse purchase from the famous Chatuchak weekend market in Bangkok, back in 2009! In the 14 years since, I’ve gone through different hairstyles & overall phases, but I’ve found ways to incorporate this fun piece into my looks.

In fact, the uniqueness of this piece is the main reason I keep going back to it – the explosion of colours means that I can pair it with almost any other colour & still look somewhat co-ordinated. My first few times wearing it, I even styled it as a top rather than a skirt. So don’t be afraid to pick some have clothing with personality in your wardrobe!

Trends are Cyclical

All of the articles about rewearing will stress on buying timeless pieces. But I’m someone who enjoys trends & I definitely do indulge in them, whether they’re ripped jeans, doc martens or anything else.

Here’s me wearing the same Y2K style top, again 14 years apart (I guess I bought a lot of nice things in 2009?) It’s from the brand Remanika. While it was on trend when I bought it, wearing it in subsequent years would’ve probably looked a little dated. But it’s 2023 now, & Y2K is back, baby!

I no longer obsess over silver jewellery, I took out my nose piercing (& got several tattoos) & learnt what to do with my hair (it was wavy!) but I’m still rocking the same top. SO if you have something that you think might look painfully unfashionable, just wait a couple of years & it’s likely to be on trend again. x

The post Building a wardrobe you’ll love to rewear appeared first on Magali Vaz | Fashion, Lifestyle & Travel Blog.

• Chunky Sneakers

Chunky sneakers have been a popular trend for a few years now, and it looks like they’re here to stay. These shoes are perfect for those who want to add some edge to their outfits. Chunky sneakers are comfortable, versatile, and come in a range of colors and styles. Pair them with a mini skirt or ripped jeans for a trendy and casual look.

• Strappy Sandals

These sandals for women are a classic style that never goes out of fashion. They’re perfect for warmer months and can be dressed up or down. This year, we’re seeing a lot of strappy sandals with block heels. These are more comfortable and easier to walk in than stiletto heels. Choose a neutral color like black or beige for a versatile option that goes with everything.

• Mules

 Mules are back in fashion, and this time they’re more stylish than ever. These shoes are easy to slip on and off, making them perfect for busy mornings. We’re seeing a lot of mules with unique embellishments like bows, pearls, and studs. Choose a metallic or animal print mule to add some glamour to your outfit.

• Pointed Toe Flats

Pointed toe flats are a chic alternative to heels. They’re comfortable and easy to walk in, but still add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. This year, we’re seeing a lot of pointed toe flats with unique textures like snakeskin or velvet. These shoes can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

• Combat Boots

Combat boots are a great way to add some edge to your outfit. This year, we’re seeing a lot of combat boots with platform soles and chunky heels. These shoes are perfect for those who want to make a statement. Pair them with a mini dress or skirt for a trendy and edgy look.

• Loafers

 Loafers are a classic shoe that never goes out of style. This year, we’re seeing a lot of loafers with unique embellishments like tassels, buckles, and studs. These shoes are perfect for the office or for a casual weekend outfit. Choose a bold color like red or yellow to add some personality to your outfit.

There are plenty of trending styles of women’s footwear in 2023. Whether you prefer comfortable and casual shoes like chunky sneakers and strappy sandals, or more edgy options like combat boots and mules, there’s something for everyone. Choose a style that fits your personality and add some flair to your outfit. Remember, amongst everything else, including the trends, never forget the comfort factor when getting sandals for yourself. Comfort has always been a trend since the evolution of these footwear! 

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Trip #3 is the most recent one, a short getaway with dear friends who moved cities a few months ago. It was something we talked about for months & as the date drew closer, my excitement (& anxiety) mounted! I can’t remember the last time I visited in the rainy season. While I will be sharing some vlogs from the trip, now that a month has passed I thought it’d be a great time to share some memories through a little photo diary (all captured on my phone)

The Idyllic Vistadome Journey

There’s a lot of ways to get to Goa from Mumbai – road (car / van / bus), train, flight. I have definitely tried them all. While a flight is the quickest, the inaccessibility of the airport is the reason I usually chose the overnight bus. Tejas, who I was travelling with suggested travelling by the fancy vistadome coach on the Jan Shatabdi. It was one of the highlights of the trip, with panoramic views of the Konkan (which is so lush at this time of the year!)

I think I packed light for the first time in my life – a simple, streamlined wardrobe that was both location & weather appropriate. I’m wearing a crop top, Fjallraven kanken sling as well as nylon cargo / trackpant hybrid (that have lots of pockets & repel water, double whammy!) I wore Crocs & didn’t carry any spares because they were just the only thing I needed. Accessories were super simple- gold earrings, a couple of my favorite rings & my treasured HMT watch (I should’ve skipped the watch, considering the weather).

Beach Day

Mom hooked us up with amazing rooms at our favorite resort in Benaulim, a village that sorta feels like home. It was nice to take Rydell & Tejas around, to show them my favorite spots & introduce them to the local vendors for kadak chai & freshly made steak pav. We intentionally abstained from planning too much & just decided to take each day as it comes. One of our first major outings was an afternoon at the beach, which is luckily just walking distance away. We settled in at one of the beach shacks & since I was feeling adventurous, I thought it’d be fun to try urrak, a traditional Goan liquor distilled from cashew fruit.

The urrak (with limca) was so refreshing, we had to get a second round! Afterwards, we took a nice little walk on the seashore as the sun set.

Furry Friends

It was my second time at the same resort in just a few months (I was there with mom in the summer) so I had befriended the local cats & dog, & I was delighted to see them remember me so we could pick up where we left off!

The cats are so wonderful (they’re both female, with completely divergent personalities) & the dog is large, brown & extremely friendly! I made regular detours to feed the cats throughout the day. The dog roams where she wants & she would find us outside our rooms or on our walks.

A day trip to the city

On our last full day in Goa, we hired scooters & took a day trip to Margao, the nearest city. It’s customary for non resident Goans to visit the local spots & bring our favorite foods back home with us.

We started the day by heading to the choris stall (local Goan sausages – they’re to die for), dropped by Zantye’s for some cashew nuts & decided to lunch at the iconic Longuinos.

I had taken slightly ill at this time so I decided it’d be a good idea to have a shot of cashew feni (very potent local liquor) which has long been considered a home remedy for cold & cough. Drinking it feels like you’ve set your oesophagus on fire momentarily. I’m not sure if it helped with the cough but it did succeed in get me day drunk, I’m quite the lightweight.

Five days passed by in the blink of an eye, but I’m reviling the trip through the photos & video! All of these were taken on my Pixel 6a. I hope this inspires you to try something different on your next getaway. x

The post Monsoon trip to Goa 🌧️ | photo diary appeared first on Magali Vaz | Fashion, Lifestyle & Travel Blog.

A few weeks ago, I attended the Skin Awareness Month get-together by Galderma (the pharmaceutical company behind Cetaphil & Biluma). There was a panel consisting of dermatologists & creators, where we were educated about skin circadian rhythm, reformulated cetaphil products & more.

Let’s talk about Cetaphil

Cetaphil is a globally renowned brand that’s been around for 75 years! They’re also the the number 1 Dermatologist prescribed brand in many countries. Their first product, the Gentle Skin Cleanser was formulated by a pharmacist in 1947 & today their range has expanded to include face & body products., baby care as well as sun protection. Their goal remains the same – to formulate gentle & effective products that strengthen & protect even the most sensitive skin. Cetaphil products now have a new look & an even better formula, they have upgraded their formulation by adding the goodness of Glycerin to  improve Hydration, Niacinamide for Brightening and Panthenol for moisturizing effect.

My Cetaphil Day + Night Routine

I have sensitive skin with acne issues that leans oily most of the year (but is dryer in winter). I have been on a very simple CTM + sun protection routine.

I cleanse with the Oily Skin Cleanser (for Combination to Oily Sensitive skin) which true to it’s name is gentle & non-stripping; a great product if you have a weakened skin moisture barrier.

Next, I tone with the Brightness Refresh toner, which is Non-Sticky, refreshing after feel & fragrance-free.

For the daytime, I follow up with their Moisturising Lotion (for normal to combination sensitive skin) & of course Cetaphil Sun SFP 50+, a lightweight gel sunscreen with broad-spectrum UV protection.

For the nighttime, it’s the same cleanser and toner, but I follow it up with the Bright Healthy Radiance night cream which reveals radiant glowing skin, every morning.

It’s been working very well for my skin & I intend to stick to this for a while.

All about Skin Circadian Rhythm & Biluma

Biluma is a brand from Galderma for anyone that wants to maintain healthy & bright skin throughout their lives. It is a premium, science based range & all products are formulated to be used based on our skin circadian rhythm.

Most of us have heard of our circadian rhythm with regards to our sleep patterns but did you know that it also makes a big difference to our skin?

Skin functions such as temperature & pH balance vary a lot depending on the time of day, and Biluma harnesses that knowledge to create products that will work well with your skin’s natural functions to nourish, brighten, rejuvenate & protect.

The range includes Biluma Advanced Face Wash, Biluma Advanced Day Cream, Biluma Advanced Lotion (to be used on hands and legs) & Biluma Advanced Night Cream.

Another interesting product is the Biluma Advanced Cream for sensitive areas, which is specially formulated to brighten sensitive areas that might have a darker / uneven skin tone such as Underarms, Inner Thighs & Neck. The whole range promises visible results within 21 days.

I’m quite impressed with the products I’ve used & I’ll definitely be exploring more of the range over time.

This post was written in collaboration with Galderma.

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Why do you get a hangover?

Various factors can cause a hangover. Alcohol is a diuretic that causes you to urinate more and can lead to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness and confused thinking. Alcohol also irritates the lining of your stomach because it increases the production of stomach acid and delays bowel movement. It also causes your blood sugar level to fall, which may cause you to feel weak and shaky. Your blood vessels expand when drinking alcohol, which leads to headaches. Drinking too much also triggers an inflammatory response from your immune system. 

Las Vegas is a hot spot for taking a vacation, and it’s easy to overindulge if you’re playing at a casino or staying in a fancy hotel. Drip Hydration, The IV Doc, and Hangover Heaven offer a hangover IV Las Vegas to help you recover. It can be administered in your home or hotel by a licensed nurse within an hour. It will provide you with the fluids, electrolytes, vitamins, and medication you need to get you back on your feet quickly. 

Symptoms of a hangover

The severity of your hangover symptoms will depend on several factors, including what you drank and how much you consumed. Some of the symptoms of a hangover include:

• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue and weakness
• Headache and muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness and shakiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Light and sound sensitivity
• Rapid heartbeat
• Irritability
• Lack of ability to concentrate

Prevention of a hangover

The only guaranteed way to prevent a hangover is to avoid alcohol. If you drink, try to drink in moderation. If you eat before and while drinking, the alcohol will not be absorbed by the body as quickly. Fatty foods like nuts, salmon and seeds delay absorption, and foods high in fiber like popcorn can also help. Drinking a full glass of water after each alcoholic drink will help you to stay hydrated and help you to drink less alcohol. Try to take it slow and avoid having more than one alcohol drink in an hour. 

Treatment of a hangover

You may be tempted to try some traditional hangover remedies, such as drinking the “hair of the dog” or eating a greasy breakfast. This is not the best approach to treating a hangover. Here are some scientifically proven remedies. 

• Drink fluids: When your body is sufficiently hydrated, it performs more efficiently. Your circulatory system carries nutrients and oxygen to your tissues and removes toxins from them. Many hangover symptoms are a result of dehydration, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day after drinking too much can help relieve them. 

• Restore electrolytes: Sports drinks and any other drinks that contain electrolytes help your body retain water and soup broth is a good way to help to replenish your sodium levels. Electrolytes help keep the balance between fluids inside and outside your cells and are vital to proper hydration. Your body needs electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium for many functions. A notable hangover-cure that is growing in popularity involves taking supplements that contain milk thistle and B vitamins. Such supplements aid in the recovery process and replenish the nutrients that become depleted by the consumption of alcohol. 

• Eat carbohydrates: As your blood sugar levels are low after drinking too much, you should try to eat to restore them even if your stomach is upset. Eating carbohydrates can help to raise your blood sugar levels. Fast-digesting carbs like toast or crackers will help to restore your energy levels without further affecting your sensitive stomach. 

• Get lots of sleep: Sleep is essential to recovery, as it allows your body to recover and metabolize the alcohol. 

• Take B vitamins: Alcohol can prevent your body from absorbing B vitamins and deplete your system of them. B vitamins, such as vitamin B12, can help you to metabolize alcohol and allow you to recover faster. 

• Treat nausea: There are many different anti-nausea medications and herbal remedies to treat nausea. Cups of ginger tea can offer relief from nausea. 

• Treat pain: Painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen can help with headaches and body aches. Avoid Tylenol because mixing acetaminophen, its active ingredient, with alcohol can cause liver damage. 

The post What is a Hangover? Reasons, Symptoms and Treatment appeared first on Magali Vaz | Fashion, Lifestyle & Travel Blog.

Sustainability

This is a word that’s used so often nowadays but actually living it is not always that easy. I’ve always wanted to live more sustainably but it just seems like the movement often preaches absolutes (shopping bans, zero waste, plastic-free) which don’t always seem attainable.

But it’s something I’m working on in my own way – trying to switch to less wasteful alternatives, cooking more, reusing what I have & repurposing as much as possible. I also try to be a conscious consumer, & keep myself educated on brands I purchase from to make sure our values align. I’m much more selective with fashion & beauty purchases (mainly because I use less of both!) but I recently bought some stunning sustainable jewelry that’s so perfect for everyday wear.

Being Open to Change

Sometime in my mid-twenties, without realising it I got set in my ways & consequently resistant to any real change. It started with me putting myself, my likes & dislikes in boxes – there were things I was good at, & other things I wasn’t, and I figured there wasn’t any use pushing myself to do things I didn’t know or wasn’t already good at. However, I’ve spent the better part of the last two years intentionally unlearning that & trying new things.

2020 got me into growing things – it started with houseplants but since then I’ve even tried growing produce & it’s definitely something I want to experiment with more.

In 2021 I took a ceramics class (‘for fun!’) but got into it & launched a small brand too, all the while pushing myself to get better & try more complex forms.

I feel like 2022 will have a thing too, I don’t know what but I have the better part of twelve months to find out.

Embracing Detachment

It’s often said that ‘the best-laid plans of mice and men go awry’ & nothing has hammered that lesson harder than living through a global pandemic. And this is a lesson I’ve hard to internalise a lot with ceramics practice too. There’s just so much we have no control over – it is absolutely impossible to control every variable. The best thing we can do is try & then leave it to the universe.

I’m wearing a Marks & Spencer shirt, Zara jeans, Uniqlo shoes & a Murano Glass snack necklace with a Studio Bahia custom planter.

Photos by Sheila Vaz.

If you have any intentions / resolutions / whatever you’d like to call them, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. x

The post Intentions for 2022 | on detachment & living sustainable 🌿 appeared first on Magali Vaz | Fashion, Lifestyle & Travel Blog.

All my life, I’ve always felt like I was a city-dweller only, but the last year or so I’ve been feeling very disjointed about living in an apartment like I want to grow vegetables & take walks in the sun. Goa trips bring some respite – I find myself savouring every part of farm life – from cooking, to overseeing the animals; I don’t even mind the long walk to the nearest supermarket.

These photos were taken back in the village a few years ago – I spent most of my childhood summers there & got pretty acquainted with the facades of all the nearby homes, most of which were built in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, and many of them have been unoccupied ever since I can remember (which is the better part of three decades). Some of them are in states of decay even – most suffer from collapsed roofs, which end up being the weakest part of the home (terracotta tiles held up by wooden rafters). The walls are strong – they’re not built with cinderblocks or mud bricks, but laterite stone cut into the shape of bricks.

In the last decade or so, things have been changing somewhat rapidly though – there are a lot of new homes being built, either in previously open spaces or over demolished older Indo Portuguese villas. The new homes are all generic & extremely ugly, but that’s the cost of development I guess. The villas are gorgeous but aren’t too practical to stay in & the cost of restoring or maintaining an old home can be pretty high – they were all built before electricity & running water.

The house from these photos was always a favourite because of the distinctive resting lions on the gate posts – it wasn’t too far from my ancestral home & the sight of it was comforting even if I’d never met the family that once lived there.

But on one trip back home in 2019, we saw signs of an impending demolition & bricks to support a fresh construction. I’d carried one nice dress on the trip, so one afternoon I dressed up a bit & begged mom to take photos by the gate. A few months later, the home (& gate) were torn down & though I haven’t been back since January, I’m sure the new construction is coming along in full swing. I’m very glad I have these, even though they are just slightly vain outfit photos on the surface, they remind me of nice things.

The lesson I take away is that things will always change, & a lot of that change is out of our control. What we can do is savour the experiences we’re having in the moment, & enjoy the memories in the future. x

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It’s been a little while since I last checked in here. The weather has changed a bit, we’ve gone from long, bright, hot days to shorter, rainy humid ones.

I’ve been keeping pretty busy on a day to day basis – passing the time with hobbies at home, as well as working on some bigger plans that scare & enthral me in equal measure.

Studio Hours

I’m still working on my first ceramics collection. While I built most of the pieces at home, things opening up again means I could visit a studio again, for the first time since March! I’ve found a new place to practise; it’s much larger than my previous studio & very well equipped. I’ve visited a couple of times already to get my pieces fired. It’s been fun to dress up for studio visits; denim dungarees have become my go-to, & I keep accessories to the minimum – fun earrings & pinky rings, with a roomy canvas tote to carry supplies. The studio is halfway across town so it’s fun to take little walks there before getting in a cab to head back home.

Jungalow Vibes

I usually resent the rainy season thanks to the dullness & extreme humidity that come along with it. But this year I’ve found myself quite enjoying the season & I know that the plants are a bit part of the reason why. A lot of my plants have tripled their growth rate & I’ve even had to repot one that quickly outgrew it’s pot. I cut a few of my plants down & decided to propagate them so I could share the houseplant love with friends & family. I cannot describe the joy I get from seeing a new leaf unfurl – it really never gets old.

Homesteading

I’ve always considered myself a homebody – even more so when I got cats. But in the last two years I’ve really surprised myself with how I’m able to keep busy & fulfilled at home. A couple of weeks ago I tried my hands at a simple mango pickle (my first!) & my only regret was that I missed most of this year’s pickling season – I’m gonna be on it for sure come 2022!

I did previously allude to growing onions but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. They got all squishy before I could transfer them to a pot, so I’m gonna have to try again later.

Learning New Things

So I’ve always considered myself an auto-didact. I love learning new skills, as long as I can teach them to myself (through the internet or youtube). I really hate ‘class’ setups. But alas, there are some things that you can’t teach yourself, you need to learn from a proper instructor! I was nervous about this when I started ceramics early this year but I was lucky to have an amazing teacher. Now there’s one more thing that I want to learn – even though it’s intimidating, I really want to push through. I’m hoping to tackle it this month, so please wish me luck! x

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A couple of months ago, this space turned 12! I can still remember starting this blog as a way to chronicle interesting happenings in my life during my first year of college. Even though I’m not as regular here as I used to be, I’m grateful to have this space to come back to, to write, document & reflect.

While this space is public, it still feels very much like a diary and reading posts from a decade ago makes me smile & cringe in equal measure. In these last few months, I feel like I’ve made a lot of small changes & set some much larger ones in motion.

Going Home

The year started out quite promising with a trip back home to Goa. I always look forward to these & I hadn’t visited in almost two years. It was dreamy – after many months of being cooped up in a very urban setting, we walked many miles everyday, cooked many fresh amazing meals, visited family, plant spotted & took a lot of great photos.

I wore very little makeup, accessorized with my favorite chain necklace & made sure I wore comfy shoes. My new pair of 90’s style bermuda shorts & me were totally inseparable.

Goa is always fun to visit but this time I found myself considering the viability of staying? I mean sure it’d be a big adjustment, but what if?

Making Ceramics

While on the last days of my trip, I decided to take a course in ceramics. It’s something I’d always wanted to do but kept putting off but after spending months at home consuming pottery videos on youtube (throwing stuff on the wheel can be so calming to watch!) I finally signed up.

It was just a beginner’s course but in a very idyllic setting. I also had the privilege of having an amazing teacher who was both very experienced & extremely patient. Handbuilding my first piece was a thrill & after our ten sessions we over, I made the decision to continue practising at home.

Buying all the necessary tools pinched a bit but it was also quite exciting to commit to this new art form (new to me, at least).

I spent a few weeks in April working on my ‘first collection’ & even set up a new instagram account. I experimented with two clay bodies (an ivory white & a lovely toasted brown) & there were some failures & frustrations but that just made the successes even more special. Pottery does have such a long production cycle though – building may be one of the more laborious steps but there’s also the refining, bisque fire, glazing & glaze fire. My pieces are carefully drying with me & I can’t wait to see them finished! I’ve even made a few small gifts for friends. Here’s hoping that the kiln gods will be on my side.

Moving Forward

Now that you’re up to speed on what I’ve done so far, it’s probably time to discuss my immediate plans. I’ve turned into a total homebody & I’m not complaining. I’ve managed to cut down on buying new clothes & using (or donating) pieces I already own. I’ve taken to needle & thread for the first time since school – just to mend things, but I hope to experiment with embroidery.

Remember when I wrote about getting into houseplants last year? I got a lot more. I did lose a few but most are thriving, & it’s been a very enriching experience. A few days ago I decided to get into growing food. Doing so in an apartment has it’s logistical challenges but I’m starting with onions & it’s fascinating to see how fast they grow.

I hope to knock learn a few new skills in the next couple of months but for now I’m enjoying the stillness at home & the simple routine of watering my plants, playing with the cats & cooking a lot of wholesome meals. I just bought some kimchi so I’m gonna try & make kimchi fried rice tonight! x

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