The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

Work on that dress
Western formal wear faces stiff competition from the desi kurta when it comes to office attire. It’s comfortable, suits our weather conditions and one can experiment with accessories
Mona

Style and comfort are two basics of corporate wear. Long working hours, demanding deadlines and interpersonal equations — life is challenging in the corporate world. And one’s style of dressing goes a long way in making the right impression at the workplace.

“It’s important to dress well in the corporate world. One sure needs to present oneself well,” says Anvita Grewal, assistant vice-president, ING Vysya. Her style: Ethnic wear in summer and western suits in winter.

“Since the working hours are long, one needs to make sure that the dress is comfortable and also lives through the day. Cotton that gets crushed is not something you would want to wear to office,” she adds.

Dressing up formally not only helps one make the right impression but also ensures discipline at workplace. “I am all in favour of dressing formally to work,” says Mohit, an HR professional. “It sets the mood for work and helps maintain decorum required in an office,” adds Mohit, who doesn’t mind dressing in shirt and trouser all year around.

Another supporter of formal dressing is Shiny Ahuja, an Infosys employee. “Formal dressing instills a sense of discipline,” says Shiny. For her westerns rule in winter, but it’s the kurtas for summer. “With Indian wear not only can one experiment with colours, but also with accessories,” says Shiny.

Workers in her office also look forward to the casual Fridays. “On Friday almost 95 per cent of us are dressed in denims,” says Shiny. Saris are reserved for important days. “Saris are usually worn on Independence Day, Republic Day or festivals,” she adds. Monday to Thursday needn’t be plain, staid dressing either. “This season, short skirts, straight and flared trousers, and smart cotton jackets are a hit,” says Ritu Kochhar, corporate director, INIFD-8. “Formal, lace tops teemed with short skirts for board meetings and round-collared shirts in pastels are also in,” says Ritu.

There was hardly any choice for men till some time ago, but that’s not the case any more. “Men can go in for shirts in pastel pinks, greens, lilacs and also experiment with stripes and self prints,” says Ritu.

Though accessories don’t have much role to play in corporate dressing, it’s the latest gizmos that one can flaunt. “Be it a slik mobile set, iPad or laptop, one can teem it up for power dressing,” says Ritu.

mona@tribunemail.com

Dos and Don’ts

Make sure you are comfortable in whatever you wear.

No transparent shirts or trousers, it’s not a party please.

Only formal one-piece dress for office, no cotton or lace in office.

Comfortable, close shoes, no stilettos if you have a lot of running around to do.

Carry a roll on; you don’t want to smell bad by the end of the day.

Comfort zone
Sonakshi Sinha, who has shown her dancing expertise on stage, is not scared of item numbers

Actress Sonakshi Sinha wants to prove that she is truly Dabangg when it comes to her professional career. Brushing aside the rumours that she wants to refrain from doing item numbers, the actress came out saying that she is not scared of doing them.

The 23-year-old, who has shown her dancing expertise on stage at various award shows earlier this year, revealed that she has no problems in joining the lines of Katrina Kaif, Malaika Arora Khan and Mallika Sherawat by doing an item number, but she has to be comfortable in doing so.

“I’m not scared of doing item numbers. When I did stage shows, I was wearing what I was comfortable in and the moves that I was doing were also what I was comfortable doing. So, all depends on comfort. If what is offered to me, I’m comfortable doing that, then I might just take it up. I’m not averse to it,” Sonakshi said.

Sonakshi, the daughter of veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, has laid down various rules for herself. She has been maintaining that she won’t be doing any kissing scenes and also won’t sport a bikini on screen ever. Yet the budding actress has been getting plum Bollywood offers. After her debut film Dabangg with Salman Khan, the actress will be seen in Joker with Akshay Kumar and is also a part of Race 2.

At an event on Tuesday, she was also named as the brand ambassador of fashion brand Provogue, that has had actors like Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Fardeen Khan and Katrina Kaif endorsing it in the past.

“I’m very happy to be associated with this brand. I think they’ve seen how my career is shaping up and they think that I’m able to contribute to their brand in some way as a brand ambassador. So very happy about this association and hopefully it will be a long and fruitful one for both of us,” said Sonakshi. — IANS

When going gets tough, women get going!
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Women they say are the weaker sex and cannot deal with tough competition, but in a recent research psychologist Joyce Benenson of Harvard University found out that women are more cunning and competitive than men when the going gets tough.

“Considering the office politics, neck-to-neck competition in business and more males at the workplace, women have to find ways to fight their battle,” says entrepreneur and designer Rashmi Bindra. Though she says she wouldn’t play any games to let her opponent down, she adds, “Women don’t rely on physical violence, which men usually depend on; women fall back on more subtle forms of aggression, maybe excluding someone from a group if they think they are a threat.” Taking into account the research we ask a few women is it true - do women play mind games when facing competition?

“Physical violence or abusing is not a women’s forte. It’s not lady like to behave aggressively. But, yes when it comes to competition or tackling men at work, women have their ways. And I would say they use soft and safer skills, unlike men,” says Priyanka Bajaj from Sindhi sweets in Sector 17.

Neha Vohra, lecturer and psychologist at Saket College of Physiotherapy in Panchkula, says, “Talking in terms of psychology, women at any level and of any age, always seek attention, appreciation and acceptance from the people around. Be it from the spouse, children, friends or for that matter even from their boss, women are attention seekers. When it comes to work, women have their own ways of dealing with complex situations. Instead of being shrewd, they want to create a happy environment, but the problem crops up when back-biting begins. Such behaviour is not acceptable and the cognitively complex brain of a woman does act in an assertive and a dominant manner, but not to the extent of aggressiveness.” Talking about women being cunning when facing competition she says, “Acting in a skillful, cunning or a rational manner actually differs from woman to woman.”

Benenson was quoted as saying, “The social worlds of men and women differ in that females have to worry about alienating others, whereas males worry about getting beaten up. As their primary competitive strategy, females may attempt to form an exclusionary alliance, whereas males may try to directly dominate an opponent.”

For males they believe women cannot get physically aggressive but yes they have some strategic planning where males cannot compete with them. “Men cannot compete with women when it comes to mind games. They play safe. Males are aggressive and vent out their anger fast, but women have patience and strike back at the right time,” says Bharat Sood, an employee of a BPO in Mohali.

Couple of similarities

Men and women do not think, react and behave differently in a relationship, an Australian study has found.

The study by Deakin University of Melbourne among 75 couples aged 19-63 and together for an average of 15 years, has found no evidence of gender differences.

A team headed by researcher Gery Karantzas asked the couples about their relationship satisfaction, attachment style, trust, level of support, modes of communication, conflict and intimacy.

The 150 men and women said they were secure, and had low levels of destructive, conflict-centred communication.

They had high levels of partner support, trust and intimacy.

The researchers said the couples had been attracted in the first place because of similarities.

John Gray, author of the 1992 book “Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus”, had earlier suggested that men and women had vast differences. Men valued power, competence and achievement while women valued feelings and the quality of relationships.

The study was published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies.

— IANS

Fashionista
Divided we stand
Culottes, popularly known as divided skirts, are making a comeback
Prabhdip Brar

A question for the fairer sex, what is it that you are looking forward to wearing in this predictable summer season? Can I suggest a pair of culottes (qu-lots)? What exactly are they? What is their length supposed to be? How much are they supposed to flare?

Culottes are a form of split skirt. They are usually made full or calf length, and consist of a pair of loose, flowing trousers, which strongly resemble a skirt until the wearer engages in vigorous physical activity. The shorter version of culottes is a 'skort', a pair of shorts with a flap of fabric in the front that turns them into a more modest skirt. Originally, the word was used to refer to trousers worn by men. Women's fashion appears to have appropriated the word in the 1800s, when women started wearing culottes so that they could ride astride instead of sidesaddle. The split skirt configuration of culottes was ideal for riding safely while preserving modesty norms. Culottes were worn by many women of modest families well into the 1900s, and were often sewn in fashionable patterns for a variety of tastes and classes.

Indian sharara

The Indian version of the culotte is our very own sharara! Sharara is among the popular traditional dresses worn/made by Indian women/designers in the modern times. This fine-looking outfit gained reputation during the Mughal era and since then it has never looked back, and now it outlines the chief traditional costume of India. Basically, it is a Muslim article of clothing, which has such a global appeal because of its attention-grabbing looks that it has reached to the foreign audiences situated in various hidden corners of the world. The Sharara basically consists of a long-flowing skirt, a choli or a blouse and a dupatta. The main and distinctive feature of Sharara is its skirt, which is fitted like a pant till the knee and then flares out providing a skirt look alike. Nowadays, the sharara has undergone huge transformation and has come out of the old school of thought and seemingly modern tinge has been added to the same.

So get yourself a pair of culottes as they suit almost everyone, slim or curvy, and will look especially good if you're tall. Flares are so popular right now, wear them with a t-shirt and don't wear very tight stuff if you're not thin. Flares provide total 70s chic and the jeans can be cut with an extra generous flare or a more form-fitting, flattering style. The bell-bottoms of the '60s and '70s can generally be distinguished from the flare or boot-cut pants of the '90s by the tightness of the knee. 1" lower rise to sit just below the waist, popular flare styling, button/zip closure, are the features of this lower. Go for it!

(Dr Brar is an assistant professor, University Institute of Fashion Technology, Panjab University)

MASTER CHEF
kumar

Despite its international appeal and a liking that goes beyond any Chinese dish, Manchurian is a dish that actually doesn't exist in Chinese cuisine! And, this is what prompted us to feature it, especially the Gobi Manchurain that is probably an Indian invention.

Ingredients

For Manchurian Balls

Cabbage: 2 cups finely chopped

Carrots:2 grated

Ginger:1 piece, chopped finely

Garlic:2 cloves chopped finely

Green chilly: 1 chopped finely

Boiled potatoes: 100 gms

Paneer: 40 gms

Tofu: 40 gms

Coriander: 1 bundle

Spring onions(scallions): ½ bunch chopped finely

Cornstarch: 3 tbsp

Maida: 1 tbsp

Salt to taste

Chilly powder: ½ tsp

White pepper: 1 tsp

Ajinomoto: 1 pinch (optional)

Oil for deep frying

Use deep fried chicken for Chicken Manchurian instead of vegetarian balls.

For Manchurian Sauce

Spring onions: ½ bunch chopped finely

Ginger: ½ piece chopped finely

Garlic: 2 cloves chopped finely

Chilly powder: ½ tsp

Soya sauce: 2-3 tsp

Cornstarch: 1 tbsp, mix with water to make a paste

Vegetable stock- 1 cup

Ajinomoto- 1 pinch (optional)

Sugar- ½ tea spoon

Salt to taste

Oil-4 tsp

Method

Mix cabbage, corn flour, carrots, boiled potatoes, paneer, tofu, chilly powder, salt, ajinomoto, cornstarch, maida, ginger, garlic, coriander and chopped spring onions together in a bowl (preferably with hand and no need to add water as the water from vegetables is enough to bind). Make small balls and deep fry in hot oil till golden brown.

For the sauce heat oil in a pan and add ginger, garlic and the white bottom portion of the spring onions. Sauté for a minute and add salt, sugar, chilly powder, ajinomoto and soya sauce. Add 1 cup of vegetable stock to it and when it boils add the cornstarch paste. When the sauce starts to thicken, add the Manchurian balls and immediately off the stove. Garnish with spring onions.

(Chef Kumar is from Yin Yang-Mohali.)

astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Travel arrangements can be difficult so wait somewhere cosy. Better day for dealing with accounts. Time spent on reading and studying will not be wasted. Housewives should seek ways to cut unnecessary expenditure. Indeed, a perfect day for family get-together.

Tarot message: Try not to get carried away by your initial success.

Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic number: 43.

TAURUS: This is an opportune day for those of you who are soon to be taking examination. Socially a hectic evening ahead. Sign new documents after lunch. Health gives no tension at all. Watch out for potential arguments especially if alcohol is part of the scene. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions.

Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 55.

GEMINI: After a busy period of seasonal celebration you will be glad to take it easy. Frank discussion could clear the air. Go along with the wishes of your spouse. Do not be too demanding. Chronic sufferers are advised complete rest. Avoid late night party. Domestic entertainments are advisable.

Tarot message: Do not let opposition faze you. Lucky colour: Red.Magic number: 57.

CANCER: Your overall situation should improve. Students should get job satisfaction from creative work. Superiors will be co-operative, offering you moral as well as financial backing. A romantic impulse can grab you.

Tarot message: Take one step at a time. Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic number: 27.

LEO: The card Nine of Wards can make this a day of enjoyment and opportunity. Personal plans are likely to receive a severe setback. Serious quarrels are likely at home. Your child's performance makes you happy. Go with the flow.

Tarot message: Don't be bullied into accepting situations you dislike.

Lucky colour: Royal blue.

Magic number: 41.

VIRGO: Sensual and physical pleasures are worthy of indulgence. Life can have other plans than whatever was originally intended. You will have no problem getting along with members of the family. Romance is under thoughtful stars. Drive carefully and obey traffic rules.

Tarot message: Take limited risks and don't jeopardise your long-term capitals. Lucky colour: Crimson.Magic number: 62.

LIBRA:Watch out for the unexpected. Business matters may not turn out to be as straightforward as they first appear. Discuss important moves that you wish to make, with influential people. Perhaps doing your own thing is wiser. Take care of your stomach.

Tarot message: Balance and perspective will lead you out of a problematic situation.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 57.

SCORPIO:The King of Swords suggests making a real effort because laziness and incompetence won't be tolerated by bosses; clients or customers. Today you meet someone who sets your heart aflutter. The artistic side of your nature will be yearning for an outlet. Children could

bring married couples closer.

Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in built delays.

Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 26.

SAGITTARIUS: Ace of Cups will set your mood for getting nagging chores out of the way. Thoroughly check the to do list. Handle cash carefully. Turn your attention towards home & family rather than romance. Not a good day for starting up joint ventures.

Tarot message: Make a choice and then live with the outcome of your decision.

Lucky colour: Brown.

Magic number: 63.

CAPRICORN: Love affairs will blossom, but do not go on face value. Dress in alluring fashion for maximum appeal but steer away from rough venues. Success comes only with hard work. Postpone decisions on major deals. Be cautions and discriminating in your dealing. Think twice before making major purchases.

Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes.

Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27.

AQUARIUS: The support and tips of an expert will help you master whatever subject you are committed to learning. Health wise; cut down salt and increase liquid intake. Loved ones will be congenial. A good day for financial affairs. Make appointment with lawyers and officials today to ensure good outcomes.

Tarot message: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly

important.

Lucky colour: Sea green.Magic number: 28.

PISCES: Personal plans will have to be put aside again. Learn to be optimistic. This evening is ideal for serious discussion or a heart to heart with your partner. Venus is so powerful that sexual energy is strong today.

Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking advice from someone else.

Lucky colour: Metallic grey.

Magic number: 30.

the year ahead
If your birthday is March 24...
Madan Gupta Spatu

Being a number six, you possess an attractive personality, which shows up everywhere, and people around you can hardly avoid your magnetism. While your basic number is 6, that of year 2011's is 4 and both are friendly. Hence this year will prove quite favourable. A mixed year from family point of view. Professionally, it is a progressive year whatever your profession may be. If seeking job, apply on dates, which are either 4 or 6 or Fridays. Children will bring encouraging news if they are appearing in competitive exams. 2011 is a better year if you are pursuing any research work.

The unmarried are likely to get engaged. Business propositions in partnership will be successful. In lawsuits, a good judgement in favour is visualised as per changing stars. The last part of March 2011 is favourable for investing in real estate. Try your luck; it's very kind on you in 2011. In fact you'll receive multiple benefits in the latter part of the year and you're your next birthday. So you may celebrate all the coming events today.

Emraan Hashmi (24 March 1979) shares his memorable day with you. For Emraan, number 6 and 8 are very important numbers. A combination of Mars and Venus is like match stick and match box.

This is the combination which made him The Serial Kisser of Bollywood and a crowd puller at the box office.

2011 will prove a milestone for him with his latest film - Murder 2.

chatter box

Aashka, Rohit in love!

Aashka Goradia and Rohit Bakshi finally came out of the closet to announce their relationship. The couple has been dating for over three years but wanted to keep their private lives private.

This celebrity couple fell in love while shooting Sindoor Tere Naam Ka and as Rohit likes to be a low profile guy and Aashka too does not talk about her love life. Now, that they are serious about each other and thinking marriage, they announced.

Eva Grover joins Balaji

Eva Grover is the new addition to Balaji Telefilms' love story on Sony TV starring Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar.

The serial is called Bade Acche Lagte Hai Ye Dharti Ye Ambar Aur Tum and is a love story of a middle-aged couple.

While the younger couple on the show is brand new, Eva Grover has been signed on as a very prominent character.

Sachin Shroff, Janvi enter Balika Vadhu

Shyam and Suguna will soon be seen in Colors' Balika Vadhu again but in a new avatar. As Vikrant Massey and Veebha Anand have quit the show for better roles, the popular characters of the show will now be played by Sachin Shroff and Janvi Chheda. When Jagya (Shashank Vyas) returns, Shyam and Suguna will be re-introduced in the show. Other than the love triangle in Jagya's life, the creative directors are working on fresh tracks for Shyam and Suguna too.

Bharti on diet

Diet chart: Bharti cuts down on her food

Bharti of Comedy Circus is going on a crash diet! Unfortunately, it's not a wish but a forced proposition. Item girl Rakhi Sawant's mother Jaya Sawant is urging Bharti to do so during her 10-day stay for the shooting of reality show Maa Exchange.

Jaya apparently is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Bharti turns into a lissome lass at the earliest! Well, I guess we all know by know that what the raaz of beti Sawant's sexy figure is!

Rinku in Ram Milayi Jodi

Two new characters have been introduced in Zee's Ram Milayi Jodi. Rinku Karmarkar, aka Dimpy, plays a loudmouth Punjabi cousin of Vimi, aka Riva Babbar, who arrives from Canada for her daughter Pam's marriage. Sunayana's character has a resemblance to Katrina's role in Namastey London.

Censorship for TV!

Insaaf at last: Rakhi Sawant

Tele town is buzzing with the Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni's statement that the government might soon announce a self-regulatory mechanism to monitor the content on TV. The body would focus on the complaints from viewers on the content.

Lately, shows like Emotional Atyachar, Armaano Ka Balidan, Rakhi Ka Insaaf etc aired on prime time brought in a deluge of viewers' feedback on objectionable content in such shows. While Emotional Atyachar was asked by the High Court to censor their vulgar content, AKB got a notice for unnecessary violence, and Rakhi Ka Insaaf was shifted to late night slot.

Up, close and personal with Binny

Binny Sharma, aka Gauri of Sanjog Se Bani Sangini on Zee TV, became a household name after her participation on Dance India Dance. After showing off her dancing skills, Binny has now made a mark in acting too.

Binny's co-participants in Dance India Dance--Shakti, Kunwar Amar and others are also all set to try their hand in acting. Binny says, "I have seen the promos of Shakti and Amar's show but can't comment on it yet. However, acting has been a learning process for me. I feel lucky that I got to learn so much through Sanjog Se Bani Sangini."

Speaking about her first impression of her co-star Iqbal Khan, she reveals, "Honestly, I did not know anything about him as I did not have a cable connection during my school days. However, my friends used to be crazy about his character Angad that was very popular. The first time I met him was during our audition and I felt that he is a good human being. Even today, I feel the same and have also realised that he is grounded besides being a brilliant actor."

Besides Iqbal, Binny has also got the opportunity to act with veterans like Aruna Irani, Sudha Chandran and Kunika Lal in her debut show itself. Binny quips, "It's amazing to work with such veterans. Everyone is so good and Arunaji is a motherly figure. I am happy that I got to learn so much for her."

Ask her about the toughest scene till date, and a confident Binny replies, "I have never acted before and it was challenging to be pitted opposite such veterans. However, I have not found anything tough because if you are dedicated everything becomes easy. One just needs to put in their hundred per cent."

Though Binny is enjoying her stint in acting, she confesses that she misses dance. Binny says, "I wish I could workout like my Dance India Dance days. We used to focus on dance 24/7. However, I make sure that I dedicate 15 minutes for dance after returning home from the shoot." When asked to choose between dancing and acting, Binny immediately says, "This is the wrong question to ask me as both are the strongest pillars of my life. Dancing is my passion but I cannot choose any one." — HRM

Vision in white
Usually, one cannot go wrong with classic white as it is eternally elegant. Yet, if not worn properly or in the wrong fabric, it can lead to a fashion faux pas. We take a look at women who have worn white lately.

How can Deepika look anything but ravishing at the Kingfisher Calendar Launch? She is their ambassador and is reportedly dating Mallya Junior. Graceful as ever, she looks like the lady of the manor in the shimmering silver dress which is an Ibella by Ramona Narang.

At first sight, her outfit looks great and interesting. On closer inspection, you see that the jumpsuit is ill-fitted and has creases. How could she, being a designer, overlook this? The orange pumps are lust-worthy. Though she's attempting fusion with the chunky neckpiece, it looks incongruous.

We love the way she has put this look together. She looks ultra pretty and the bouffant suits her. We love her supermodel poise. The olive green pumps are uber sexy and in sync with the animal print bag. The feminine jacket adds a formal vibe to her look and we like the way she has used different hues of white.

How sexy does the voluptuous chic look! The white dress hugs her figure beautifully and she pulls off the risque dress with class. The glossy pout, layered hair, and Aviators make her look like a star. She completes the look with a beige clutch and matching peep-toe pumps. It is a simple and classy look that we love. — HRM

Eva moves on

Hollywood actress Eva Longoria, who recently split from husband Tony Parker, insisted her life is going great and she is moving on from the failed relationship.

The Desperate Housewives star, who is dating Spanish singer Eduardo Cruz, said she is looking forward to putting the last six months behind her.

"There have been big changes in my life. I embrace everything that's happening. I hold dearly every experience I've ever had in my life; I regret nothing. I'm moving on," said Longoria.

The actress turned 36 on March 15 and held a number of parties to celebrate, including a 1920s-themed bash and a trip to Disneyland. The week culminated with a party with Cruz and other friends in Las Vegas on Friday. Putting her divorce from baseball star Parker behind, Longoria said at the party, "Everything in my life is great!" One onlooker said she and Eduardo were acting like a pair of "high school kids" at the bash.

"They were very affectionate, with Eva occasionally rubbing her hand on his face and touching his chin as they kissed. It was like two high school kids who just fell madly in love because they were always so touchy-feely," said the source. — PTI