The summer can be unforgiving these days. We wonder if the sun is pissed off. While we can’t do anything to change the sun’s mood, we can at least do something to cool ourselves down after a hot day. Let us look at some foods that can help you cool down this summer.

Watermelon

With a high percentage of water, this fruit is healthy, cooling and refreshing as well. It contains a mere 50 calories per cup, so it clearly isn’t stacking on your calorie count if you are one who takes special care of that. Watermelon has immense health benefits, and having it as an excuse to cool off is a wonderful idea. Not to mention it is tasty too.

Yogurt

Yogurt is healthy, filling and will help cool you down on a hot and humid day. Be it frozen yogurt or just the usual one, yogurt can be a healthy and cooling breakfast, lunch dessert or evening snack.

Cucumber

Besides being used to cool off your skin on application, cucumbers can cool off your body as well. Cucumbers keep the body hydrated, and help in digestion as well, all of which is of utmost importance to brace yourself against a hot summer day.

Ice tea

The thought of tea on a hot summer day is frightening at times. But what if it is ice tea? Try this over the normal tea you are accustomed to, to ensure that you aren’t dehydrated. Switch out your hot morning tea for a glass of chilled iced tea, instead.

Salads

Green leafy vegetables with a sprinkle of olive oil can be a great way to indulge in a meal without the fear of it being heaty. Salads can leave you feeling cool and energized before or after a meal, as a meal, or even as an evening snack.

So if you are looking to cool down those struggling and sweaty pores that have been working all day while you were outside, this is a cool way. Yeah, it’s a cool way!

Somebody has rightly stated that “Fashion is like seasons, it comes and goes and leaves the world wanting for more.” Whenever a new trend in fashion is doing the rounds, people all over the world turn to their fashion gurus for a word about how to rock the trend best. Some trends die out soon while others are more grounded for longer periods. Let’s take a look at which ones will stay on this year and what is fast disappearing.

Colours!

 Orchid coloured dresses

Orchid is the colour of 2014. We are extremely excited about this one because this vibrant and fresh colour can be worn on all skin tones. Plus the rosy-flowery touch to it makes it an out-and-out fashion staple. Rock this colour in accessories or go for a colour block wardrobe. Neons have made their splash but pastel shades are again making a promising comeback. We’re talking baby blue, lavender, subtle yellow and creamy-smoothie colours like shades of a prim rose… so romantic!

Culottes and Palazzos are here to stay

Culottes and Palazzos are making a splash this year

Culottes or wide legged short pants are back again and this time they will stay for a longer bracket. Also Palazzos will be widely accepted and preferred over skinny jeans. The high waist varieties will add length to your frame and make you look instantly taller and leaner. We give them a huge thumbs-up!

Tea-length skirts

Tea-length skirts have always been around and now with their colour palette going neutral, they never looked prettier! Mini-skirts can totally go into hiding now.

Crop tops

Crop tops are a huge rage this year

Crop tops will be a huge rage this year. If you dare to bare your mid-riff then you must try this sexy trend. They come in many variants depending on asymmetric hems and varying sizes. The bra-top or a bustier-top will soon make a mark.

Say no to Anarkali suits

The flared Anarkalis are completely out of fashion this year. These wedding staples will soon vanish from the mandap and straight kurta style dresses will take over the fashion scene instead.

Sarees

Pre-stitched saree

The traditional 6 or 9 yard saree will be swapped for one that’s pre-tailored. Textured fabrics will be more popular and pallu and pleats will be stitched as per the wearer’s body. Also the blouse will take a backseat with the young and bold; only to be replaced by a shirt or a tee for that edgy sassy look. Mainstream designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Masaba are already popularising this trend in the markets.

Hair trends

Short hair dos will be a popular fad

Shorter hair will be the hot favourite this season. Wind-swept pixie cuts or the classic bob will be popular. Beautiful and romantic braids will linger on for a long time.

Jewellery

India is known for its love for jewellery and this year too jewellery will be a huge fashion statement. Chunky designs inspired by history and nature will be hugely popular. Gold will remain wedding-loyal, and silver and platinum will be a preferred option for casual outings.