A to Z of Summer

As the mercury continues to soar, follow our alphabetised key of summer 'must-haves' and ensure a smooth sail

AMLA
It has cooling, diuretic and laxative properties. Have amla juice mixed with carrot and apple juice in the morning to fight heat strokes and urinary tract infections.
BLUSHER
Rub a bit of peach, gold or rose blusher onto your cheekbones.A clean face with a bit of colour on cheeks will make you look fresh.
COOL SIPPER
You need a convenient bottle to carry your coolant of choice everywhere you go, especially if you're a road warrior. Get a sporty one with a rubber straw or the thermal kind to keep drinks cool.There's no excuse for dehydration when you see it sitting on your desk or weighing down your bag.
DRESSES
The stop-at-knee, linen variety are the new corporate staples. So get some in beige, navy blue, grey and olive. Summer is the time for your legs to get an airing.
ESPADRILLES
Cork based wedges that look great with dresses and make your legs look longer. Beachy and ladylike.
FRAGRANT SOAPS
Get the handmade variety in lemon, khus and mint for a peppy start to your day. Store them in your closet to make your clothes smell sweet.
GLARES
Metal is out; plastic rims are in. Get happy oranges, pinks and greens in oversized frames.
HAIR EXPERIMENTS
Dying to cut your hair short? This is the time.Wear bobs that are shorter at the back with a chunk of green, blue or ash blonde colour at the nape.
ITTAR
The traditional oil-based perfume you should dab behind your ears and on your wrists to stand apart from the cloud of deos.
J ASMINE
This is the season when jasmine and mogras bloom so make the most of it. Pin back your fringe with a small, singular blossom or a large one in your chignon.
KHAKI
Wear the colour in cargoes, shorts, three-fourths and linen safari shirts.They look macho and cool, like you're in the military.
LEMON
Make a detour from white and opt for pale yellow shirts instead. Squeeze the fruit into your bath water, salad or into a spray bottle of cool water for a face spritz.
MUL
For kurtis and blousons. Give it a frilled neckline to disguise the fabric's nonchalance.
NAILS
Keep them short and square and colour them in this seasons navy blue and black.
OBI BELTS
Fashion one out of brocade, silk or velvet and wear over a flared dress for a defined waist. Don't forget, straw-lined chappals to keep your feet airy and sweat-free.
POT POURRI
Hang roses or lilies upside down in stark sunlight for a few days. Remove the petals and add a few drops of essential oil. Now throw out that synthetic air-freshner and put these in a bowl in the loo.
QUAFF
That's to drink heartily. Nimbu paani, iced tea, khus sharbat, watermelon juice... whatever you can put into a glass and improve with ice.
ROSETTE
Pin a quirky flower onto your bag, hair or shirt to set your self apart from the rest.
SARONG
Embrace the bright cloth and wrap it over a pair of shorts. Pleat and tuck into the centre or side or just wrap like a skirt.
TAN
Don't buy into the 'Fair is Beautiful' maxim. Go out and get a bit of sun for a dose of Vitamin D.
UNDIES
Forgo the sexy satin, lace and silk and go for cheeky cotton boyshorts.
VEST
Spaghetti, tank or scoop-necked. Get them in every colour to wear over the sarong.
WEAVES
Assam's Ikat has already debuted on international runways. Pack away the jerseys, lycras and synthetic fabrics. Embrace handloom..
XENOPHOBIA
Get over your fear of foreign people and go travel while recession keeps the air-fares low. Pick a beachy town or an exotic desert with great shopping.
YOGHURT
It not only cools your body but also helps digestion. Flavour it with fruit pulp or turn into a lassi.
Z ZZZZ
Beat the heat with 15-minute naps at your desk or in the train.This will cool you down, conserve energy and make you less irritable.