The Express Tribune hi five - November 9

Ms NOVEMBER 9, 2014

ISSUE NO. 125

Simply Classy

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Dress for success or Dress to impress?

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inside lifestyle —

The cost of beauty

domestic goddess —

Parsi Chicken Farcha

Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk

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The Ravishing Ayesha Omar

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the buzz

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Why you should dress to impress those you work with by Anum Shaharyar American stylist and designer, Rachel Zoe, wasn’t wrong when she said “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” What your taste in clothing and accessories says about you is a question asked frequently in the fashion world and everyday socialising. But nowhere does your style have a greater impact than in the corporate sector where knowing how one wants to be perceived is as important as knowing what they want to achieve in their professional capacity. In this respect, questions regarding what to wear, how to wear it and what impression to give out are obvious concerns for anyone involved in the business world. Whether you are an intern on the brink of a new career or a CEO with years of experience under your belt, knowing how to present yourself to both your colleagues and external audiences is a must in today’s image-oriented society.

Of course, with the inclusion of women in the Pakistani workforce and younger people more actively involved in income generation than ever before, it isn’t just men who need to worry about their suits and ties. The term ‘power dressing’ may be reminiscent of thick shoulder pads and overbearing dark suits (worn by female officers in the yesteryears to signal equality with their male counterparts), the concept has itself undergone a slow and steady makeover. Initially considered as an attempt for women to fit in amongst a maledominated workforce, power dressing now refers to a women’s ability to use her clothing and style to convey an image which will help advance her career.

Power dressing in Pakistan Unfortunately, power dressing is trickier for working women in Pakistan considering that our corporate sector is still predominantly male. Overtime, a variety of magazine articles, blogs, websites have sprung up on the internet, offering advice on power dressing according to local social norms. “One wrong step and you can end up with a tainted reputation,” says banker and fashion-enthusiast Hina Mumtaz. “Too much makeup, a plunging neckline and overall loud behaviour can actually hinder your career growth so it is important to know your limits.” Hina feels it is best to keep work attire as simple as possible to create the right image. “Simple and elegant clothing in pastel shades, minimal makeup and no jewellery should do the trick,” she advises. “Simple, neat and tidy gives off a professional vibe without making you appear too boring.”

Pouru Sidhwa, director of Human Resources at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pakistan believes

• Go easy on mascara to avoid clumps. Try rolling the wand as you apply the product to avoid un-classy, overdone look.

• A pretty, peach or pink lip colour will light up your face without giving you a loud look and leaving those odd lipstick rims on your coffee mug. Non-shiny, matte lip shades are most suitable for work.

• A thin layer of brown eye shadow and a sweep of mascara are just enough to make you appear awake early in the morning. Natural is the look to go for during the work week.

• Fake lashes may enhance your eyes and make you look lovely but they are inappropriate for a professional environment. They will make you look overdone and also irritate your eyes through the work day.

• Anything with glitter is a big no-no!

• Dark, smoky eye makeup is unflattering and will give you an ‘I don’t care’ vibe and that is something you never want your boss to think.

• When applying eye shadow, it is better to avoid the eyebrow region as it will just be a call for unnecessary attention. Keep it simple by stopping at the centre of your eyelid for best results.

• Avoid testing any new makeup or health products on weekdays to avoid risks of any allergies or skin reactions that might occur. Save all your beauty experiments for the weekends in case they go awry.

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

It isn’t always about following the trend; sometimes it is about wearing what you are comfortable in and making a statement by following your own personal style. Many successful women have followed in the footsteps of Steve Jobs and created their own signature looks by sporting them daily.

The ex-fashion editor for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and The New York Times Magazine, wore large eyeglasses and pearls with black clothing every day.

Former model and the current creative director of American Vogue, Grace is also known for favouring black dresses.

every advantage you can get,” he says. “The first few times you are meeting someone, they are judging you by your appearance and not your work.” The situation begins to change as one moves up the corporate ladder. “Once you are an established CEO or CFO with a prominent reputation in the business world, people respect your work and accept you.”

Lal, on the other hand, feel that looking professional isn’t subjective and should be something an employee strives for regardless of their position in their company. “Whether you are an intern or the big boss, regardless of the job description, you must be well dressed to be taken seriously.”

Different dressing for different industries According to Pouru, business attire is highly dependent upon both the culture and norms of not just an individual organisation but also the industry within which it operates. “In my opinion, this is the global way of thinking,” she says. “It isn’t specific to Pakistan or how working women are treated here.” Leon builds up on this notion, claiming that, “There is no Closure to home, Benazir — the The American author, who wrote yes or no answer to how one should dress. It first female prime minister of Metropolitan life and Mr. Chas has a lot to do with the culture of each firm Pakistan — became popular not and field.” Citing the advertising industry and and Lisa Sue Meets the Pandas, is just for her brilliant oratory skills banking as examples of two different fields known for her black pantsuit and requiring different dress codes, Leon believes but also her shalwar suits, loose complimenting white shirt. that power dressing, more often than not, is a tunics and trousers with a scarf matter of context. draped over her head.

The climate and industry one is employed in is therefore, of utmost importance when choosing a work wardrobe. A telecommunications expert from Karachi, for example, is likely that formal is the way to go if women want to succeed professionally. “It always helps to to have very different wardrobe guidelines as be dressed formally rather than giving an impression of casualness,” she says. “As long compared to an investment banker in Islamabad. The corporate sector is replete with as the chosen attire is appropriate and follows the dress code of an organisation, there a multitude of different businesses, each requiring a different style of conduct. What is should be no impact on the way female employees are treated there.” important is learning these underlying patterns and adhering to them, lest you lose out.

According to Lal Majid, a renowned chef and owner of Lal’s Patisserie agrees with Pouru, saying that everyone — not just forerunners of a business — should dress propDoes wardrobe matter than work? erly, regardless of gender. “Whether you are a man or woman, casual dressing doesn’t While it is indeed most beneficial for ambitious youngsters to look the part, this obcommand respect. For me, it means you aren’t taking your work seriously enough.” Lal, session with appearance leads us to question whether being good at your job is good who also hosts her own cooking show, is used to dressing not just for her employees but enough. Emerging trends in the global markets hint at a move away from image cona large television audience as well and believes in dressing immaculately for everyday sciousness, with notable businessmen like the late Steve Jobs conducting press confersocial encounters as well, such as at airports etc. “Your dressing is not only for your ences and product launches in turtlenecks, jeans and tattered sneakers. Fans of the beauty,” she explains. “It denotes your work ethic, personality and interests. Most impor- tech-genius have hailed him for his brilliance and success but would they do the same tantly, it tell others how committed you are to the job you are doing.” had it been someone poorly-dressed showcasing their favourite electronics?

Fortunately, the world has begun to evolve from its pre-conceived notions and the stress laid upon power dressing might just be dwindling a tad. This was made evident by fashion legend Giorgia Armani a couple of years ago, when he stated that you no longer needed powerful-looking clothes to earn respect from your peers. “Women have edged out their standing in the world. Today, they don’t have to wear a suit jacket to prove their authority,” he said. This is extraordinary, considering Giorgio is the man behind the acclaimed female power suit but is he right?

“Although trends are changing, women are still more appearance-conscious than men,” says Hina. “I think general perceptions about the female gender make us expect women to care more about how they look. Hence, a woman who doesn’t groom herself is unlikely to make much of an impact in any setting, be it personal or professional.”

Perhaps this can explain the inclusion of workplace dressing in regular fashion forums of Pakistan. In fact, the phenomenon is not only limited to magazine article and online blogs. Some universities and higher-education institutes of Pakistan are now offering career counselling programmes featuring fashion advice as well! From knowing what to wear to the first interview to everyday wardrobe ideas for full-time employees, these courses outline exactly what is considered appropriate for every corporate situation.

Dressing for your part Keeping this and our male-dominated culture, in mind we cannot disregard power Leon Menezes, HR expert and professor of Practice at the Institute of Business Admindressing as an outdated concept yet in Pakistan, at least. Pakistan still has a long way istration (IBA), believes how one dresses to work depends largely on their personality to go till a woman can work looking less than her best without any consequences on and their status in the organisational hierarchy. “When you are starting out, you’ll need how others treat her.

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Whether you are a man or woman, casual dressing doesn’t command respect. It means you aren’t taking your work seriously enough Chef Lal Majid

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en vogue

Marium Bukhari’s latest collection is a combination of exquisite embroidery and mystical colours.

Ideal for semiformal events.

Deisnger : Marium Bukhari Model : Abeer rizvi Photography, Styling and coordination : Umair bin nisar

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

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Amina Yasmin’s new bridal collection showcases unique cuts and delicate embroidery on chiffon, hand-woven silk and net.

Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair & Makeup: Saba Ansari at Sab’s Label: Amina Yasmin Designer: Mansoor Akram Photography: Umair bin Nisar Model: Rubaab Ali

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lifestyle

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

The Harmful Effects of Makeup on Your Skin Dangerous chemicals in your cosmetics can deprave your skin and even cause cancer!

Try as we might, we simply cannot avoid using makeup. A dash of face powder, a streak of lip-gloss and the perfect sweep of eyeliner are part of our daily morning wakeup routines, without which, we look and feel incomplete.

This dependency on makeup is perhaps the root of all problems: the idea is one cannot look good if they missed out on a certain cosmetic or ran out of it. People like 25-year-old aspiring fashion designer Ambreen Irfan actually skip going out if they don’t have their makeup with them. “I firmly believe that one should look impeccable from top to bottom when they step out of the house,” says Ambreen. “If I don’t have the right cosmetics to match my outfit or have run out of a key product like foundation, I prefer to remain at home.”

Sadly, Ambreen is just one of the many people who rely heavily on makeup. In this never-ending search for beauty, it isn’t uncommon for people to consume up to 10 different products daily, thereby exposing themselves to considerable amounts of germs and harmful toxins found therein. According to Saira Mahmood, a qualified beautician and owner of Saira’s School of

Natural Skin Cleansers Ladies, it’s time to replenish your skin with these homemade and 100% organic facial cleansers! Find the ingredient that suits you best and let Mother Nature do her good work.

Textile and Fashion Design, “All makeup comprises of artificial substances and a large number of chemicals which can harm the skin.” She cites skin irritation, allergies and even skin cancer as some of the possible outcomes of excessive makeup consumption. “The chemicals can seep into your bloodstream via skin absorption. From there, they can enter the bloodstream and ultimately, damage your internal organs over time. Dr Ijaz Ahmed, a practicing dermatologist at Ziauddin University Hospital in Karachi agrees with Saira, saying that, “Makeup is the root cause of acne or skin problems for over 30% of my female patients.”

by Marvi Masud

of time. “At first, I assumed it was just a freak coincidence,” shares Ambreen. “But I soon realised my migraines came only when I applied mascara.

After switching to another brand of eye makeup and still getting frequent aches, I gave up using mascara altogether!” Many women like Ambreen feel dizziness, exhaustion and even nausea after prolonged exposure to makeup. “That feeling of tiredness and dryness on your skin is a sign that it’s high time you removed the product off your face,” explains Shahnaz.

Overrated cosmetics you can easily avoid There is nothing better than a beauty product that is effective and easy to use. On the other hand, there is nothing worse than a beauty product which is a waste of time and money. So why subject your skin to unnecessary chemicals when you can easily do away with it? Check out our list of some overrated products you can throw out and move on from.

Plumping lip gloss: The product may be pretty to look at but generally, fails to fulfil its purpose — at least after the first few minutes of application. Lip glosses often tingle on the mouth, making you uncomfortable. A better alternative would be to treat your lips to a hydrating lip balm which will give your lips ample moisturisation, a hint of colour and the voluminous boost you desire.

Pressed face powder: With the advent of matte-finish foundations, the need for pressed powder has diminished. We recommend a non-shiny foundation which will give the matte finish we love face powder for without actually using any powder.

SOURCE: REFINERY29.COM

Raw honey: Ideal for normal, combination and even sensitive skin, this quick face pack is one of the easiest ways to rejuvenate dull skin. The enzymes present in honey are known to clear dead skin and add moisture, resulting in a soft, smooth and supple face with a natural glow. Simply apply raw honey onto your skin and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. Skin care couldn’t get any easier than this!

Raw egg yolk: If your skin is prone to acne and irritation, this sulphur-rich mask can do wonders for you! Whip up fresh egg yolk in a small bowl and apply it to a pre-washed face, avoiding the eyes. Allow the yolk to dry and remove using a washcloth dipped in warm water.

Cucumbers: Say goodbye to redness, puffiness and inflammation with the cooling and soothing magic of cucumbers. This hydrating mask is particularly useful after a long day in the sun. All you have to do is pulse one whole cucumber in a blender or food processor and apply the mash to your face. Leave it on for five to 10 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

Unfortunately, the harmful effects of makeup aren’t just limited to skin-related issues only, there is a variety of health problems that can occur as a result of excessive usage. Lipsticks, kajal sticks and eye-shadows, for example, are known to contain lead, a carcinogen and neurotoxin that can affect the nervous system adversely, leading to high blood-pressure, allergies, behavioural abnormalities and even decreased rates of fertility! Mercury and parabens — a chemical preservative used in many cosmetics — are some other hazardous substances common to beauty products. Although the purpose of parabens is to inhibit bacteria, the chemical itself is known to trigger the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Eye makeup in particular can be very detrimental if it has exceeded its expiration date or if the brushes used aren’t clean. “The area around the eyes is extremely sensitive and therefore, most vulnerable to poor makeup habits,” shares beautician Shahnaz Kamran. A normal mascara wand is the ideal breeding ground for pseudomonas aeruginosa, a harmful bacterium that causes corneal infections, redness and sties. Shahnaz, who runs her own mini salon from her home, advises against excessive eye makeup of any kind saying that, “You should avoid applying too much of anything to your eye area, be it makeup or lotions and creams.” Makeup enthusiasts who wear contact lenses should be extra careful as residue from mascaras, liners and eye shadows can settle on the lens and cause it to go bad, once again leading to infections or thinning of the lashes.

Ironically, Ambreen admits to suffering from severe headaches after wearing makeup for long periods

Of course, it is impossible to talk about the harmful effects of makeup without mentioning ageing — a phenomenon which prompts most makeup consumption. Using too much product on your skin will eventually further the wrinkles, lines and spots you are attempting to conceal, ultimately making you look older than you actually are!

While it is crucial that you curb your dependence on cosmetics, it is equally important that the products you purchase are of good quality. “Cosmetic giants boast of their risk-free products, free from this chemical and that mineral, but I doubt this is more than just a publicity gimmick to rake in more profits,” says Shahnaz. “Nonetheless, it is better to invest in branded products than cheaper, unbranded ones,” she adds. Saira suggests aqua-based makeup as a solution for cosmetic woes. “Aqua-based makeup is oil free so it doesn’t clog pores,” she explains. “Normal oil-based makeup prompts acne, allergies and blackheads, especially if applied to oily skin.” You can also research the products you wish to buy before heading to the cosmetic stores using Smartphone apps like GoodGuide and Pinterest. Dr Ijaz recommends avoiding heavy makeup for everyday outings.

However, regardless of how much or what kind of makeup you use, it is imperative that you indulge in a proper cleaning regime to remove all traces of chemicals from your skin. There are plenty of face washes, cleansers, toners and scrubs available in the market to choose from. Visiting the salon and treating yourself to a monthly facial or cleaning routine can also help keep your skin healthy, radiant and looking its very best.

domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 9, 2014

By Dilaira Dubash

This week experiment with some delicious Parsi Cuisine. Try my recipe for spicy chicken farchas. Addiction guaranteed!

• Chicken 8 pieces • Vegetable oil for frying For the marinade:

For the coating:

• Lemon juice 2 tbsp

• Breadcrumbs 1 cup

• Garlic paste 1 tbsp

• Eggs 2

• Ginger paste 1 tbsp

• Black pepper (freshly ground) 1/2 tsp

• Red chilli powder 1/2 tsp • Garam masala 1 tsp • Black pepper (freshly ground) 1/2 tsp

• Salt to taste • Red chilli powder 1 pinch

• Salt to taste

• Place the chicken in a bowl and add lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, red chilli powder, garam masala, salt and pepper to it. Mix the ingredients well to ensure the chicken is covered in the marinade completely.

• Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. For best results, you may marinate the chicken overnight.

• Before frying, retrieve the bowl from the refrigerator and mix the ingredients once again.

• In the meantime, heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan on medium temperature.

• In a separate bowl, crack the eggs open and whisk the yolk until it becomes smooth. Add salt, pepper and a pinch of red chilli powder to it and whisk.

• Once the oil is hot, roll each piece of chicken in the breadcrumbs to coat it.

• Dip the chicken in the whisked egg mixture and place it in the pan for frying.

• Cook the chicken until it becomes golden-brown in colour.

• Use a slotted spoon to turn the chicken around occasionally.

• Once fried, take the chicken out of the pan one by one and place it on paper towels for the oil to soak through. Remember the chicken is not meant to be too crispy on the outside.

• Serve the chicken hot with cooling salad or dip. Your farcha is now ready!

• If you are fond of cooking, you are probably no stranger to the multiple varieties of cooking oils available in the market. Of course, we all have our own favourites — depending on the types of cuisine we generally prefer — but one type of oil that is favoured by almost everyone is olive oil. Ever wonder why this is so?

• Olive oil is unique as it is completely natural and contains no preservatives, meaning that it is processed only a few times during extraction. Olives are rich in anti-oxidants which cleanse the body and mono-unsaturated fats that remain liquid at room temperature and thicken once chilled. But apart from its healthy goodness, olive oil gives off a pleasant aroma and adds a distinct flavour to the food being cooked.

• Unfortunately, olive oil is not suitable for dishes that take a long time to cook, owing to its lower boiling point of approximately 191o degrees Celsius. After this point, the oil starts to break down and loses its nourishing properties. This means that foods which require more than 191o degrees for cooking should not be made using olive oil.

• If the dish you are making involves prolonged stove time, vegetable oil ought to be more suitable for you. The term ‘vegetable oil’ is an umbrella name for oils extracted from plants, including canola oil, grape seed oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil. Although vegetable oil is generally highly processed — often losing its health benefits along the process — it has a higher boiling point and can be cooked for much longer before it breaks down.

You can serve Chicken Farcha as an appetiser or the main entree. Either way, make sure to pair it with this cooling mint and mustard dip for added taste.

• Plain yogurt 1/2 cup • Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp • Mint leaves (shredded) 1 tsp • Sugar 1/4 tsp • Ground cumin 1 pinch • Salt to taste • Pepper to taste

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.

You may add some water should the yogurt be too thick.

• Refrigerate the mixture to allow the flavours to blend.

• Serve chilled.

woman of the week 8

With Azfar Re hman.

During a shoot.

Out with friends .

Those of us with sensitive skin understand that it is the first thing to get affected by weather and the freezing temperatures and low humidity of winter season only makes it worse. But did you know that winter is also a great time for you to nurture your skin internally ? Toss out your cold creams and treat yourselves to these fabulously nourishing juice drinks that will not only keep your skin hydrated but also give a much-needed health boost.

Cool with cucumbers: Cucumbers usually taste best when they are chilled — something you might not prefer during the cold weather.

But these green vegetables are comprised of 90% water. Their naturally cooling and hydrating properties will help keep your skin moisturised and supple throughout the season. Simply grind two cucumbers and one apple with a glass of water and consume it daily.

A glass of cucumber juice a day will also keep dull complexions and ageing away!

Peachy Keen for dry skin: Rejuvenate yourself from within thanks to the healthy goodness packed into this quick and easy juice detox. Mix one teaspoon of chopped basil, two mediumsized carrots, three drops of lemon juice and two peaches and dunk the mixture. The ingredients are great not just for your skin but also the internal operations of the body.

No marks with beetroot juice: Loaded with the benefits of vitamins A, C and K, beetroot is the answer to your acne-prone skin. The red fruit is rich in iron, copper and potassium which boost radiance and help fade marks and blemishes away.

Beetroot juice also prevents and cures inflammations in the skin. All you have to do is grind two whole beetroots together with green leaves and drink the mixture as a side to your regular meals. We promise you won’t regret it!

Fight ageing with a glass full of fruit: When stress, lack of exercise and irregular sleep patterns dim your complexion and bring on the wrinkles, it is time for you to indulge in this antioxidant-packed liquid gold.

Fight ageing by mixing one and a half cup of water, one cup blueberries, half cup strawberries, half a beetroot and one large leaf of kale and be on your way to smooth-looking skin.

Get, set, ginger: Beat the winter lethargy thanks to this delicious ginger-flavoured energy booster!

Sulphur, a compound found in ginger, has been proven for its energising and immune-boosting properties. Simply mix one small beetroot, three carrots, eight celery sticks, two cloves of ginger and one stalk of broccoli in a food processor and enjoy the burst of flavour this drink offers.