Desi Diva

By Shweta Jha

Fab Ways to Keep Summer in Fall

Plus, tips for dorm living, frequent flying and city dwelling

Q: Sadly, summer’s over, but does that mean my warm weather wardrobe is history? Before I say goodbye to summer style, what are some pieces I can still parade in the fall?

A: Don’t let the sun set on all your summer garb! That cool air blowing through can breathe new life into hot-weather wear. Take those teeny tanks you sported over shirts and skirts and wear them as colorful layers under a neutral blazer and jeans. A summer shift dress can look fancy and fall-like paired with a wool cardigan and tights. No need to confine your dazzling Desi wedding attire to a suitcase either: East meets neck when you transform floaty chunnis (head and neck covering worn with South Asian clothing) into lightweight scarves for fall!

Q: I just started my freshman year in the dorms, and while my roommate is the coolest chick ever, living on a co-ed floor's got me feeling more shy than spry! Yesterday, I walked into the communal laundry room and discovered a neighbor holding an armful of my wet and wild under-things! My room's too small for a drying rack – and I just can't hang my Spanx over a stall! How can I keep my underwear for my eyes only?

A: And people thought housing co-ed college kids under one roof was shocking! Regain your dignity (and your undergarments) with this clever new contraption from The Conran Shop. We don't know how we lived without it! Just slide this crafty and collapsible drying rack over a closet rod to hang and hide undies, 18 at a time. Talk about not airing your dirty laundry in public!

Q: The heat is off! Now I can finally walk to work, but my hobo bag has had it with all the stuff I haul around. Traveling light is just not an option, but am I on the road to Jansport?

A: Backpacks are the best in high school but are hardly a sophisticated look for the school of life. It's no fun trying to navigate an urban jungle with that saggy shoulder bag sliding off your arm, but sporting a crossbody-style purse can free your hands—and your reflexes—so you can dart through traffic to get to your desk by nine. Crossbody bags are a popular look among mere mortals and celebs alike, so styles abound in all prices. We just adore Fendi's signature messenger bag with an easily accessible outside pocket and zip closure to keep your stash secure.

Q: This fall, I'm heading to Paris for a semester of fun and fromage. But air travel is awful! What's the secret to looking fresh and fabulous after 12 hours above the clouds? Every time I land, I look like I’ve been hanging off the wing of the plane instead of relaxing inside.

A: Oh la la! The only things you need to look lovely when you land are rest and hydration—and a clean and clear face. You want to make it as easy as possible for your skin to breathe in all that recirculated air. Don't think twice about that soon-as-you-land liaison with Luc unless you spend lots of plane time with Violet.com’s No Regrets Travel Kit, a virtual arsenal of weapons to fight off the dismal effects of cruising altitudes and lost legroom. This adorable kit contains everything you need to look refreshed, including a mask to help you dream away the hours and a detachable toiletry kit you can fill with goodies to make you the belle of the ball – and the fall!

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