Fashion in your bag!

Arpera, at Kumar Plaza, M G Road, brings to you the latest trends in handbags and accessories for women and men, writes Barnalee Handique

Are you looking for an attractive and exclusive handbag to go with your outfit? Well then, look no further. Arpera, one of the leading brands from Kolkata, has a wide range of bags and accessories in traditional and contemporary styles that will leave you spoilt for choice. It all began in 1994, when Sajal Grover set up his own bag manufacturing unit in Kolkata, in order to supply bags to the international brands. He also exported bags all over the world. The thought of setting up his own brand popped up, and that's how Arpera was born.
Grover, the proud owner reveals, “Arpera means a bag for the aristocrats. Pera means bag in Greek. We prefixed 'Ar' to it. That's how Arpera was coined.”
And since its inception, the brand has gained quite a reputation for its wide range of hand painted handbags, wallets and accessories in every size. The designs are exclusive. The range is characterised by bold forms, rhythmic lines and pure, undiluted colours - all this adds style and sophistication to the collection. We adore the simple cut designs and style. On display at the store is a collection of bags which are for regular and everyday use and are made from pure leather. But the most eye-catching range is the boutique bags. Each piece is specially designed and hand painted by artisans from Bengal. What's more! The store also has an impressive collection of wallets, purses, belts, card holders in a variety of colours and designs. Once you are at the store, check out the waterproof fluroscent coloured bags for the younger generation.
Each piece undergoes a special process before it reaches the store. Explains Grover, “Once we choose a particular piece of leather,we use vegetable dyes to tan and colour the leather. A design is selected and then given to the artisans. The designs are painstakingly hand painted by our team of artisans - it takes about two days.” The vegetable dyes used for Arpera bags are natural and eco-friendly and you can choose from a palette of colours like blues, greens, red, and oranges.
All this comes at surprisingly affordable prices. The bags range between Rs 800 and Rs 2500 for women, while wallets for men are priced between Rs 350 and Rs 700.
In a couple of years time, Grover plans to open stores across the country. Given his efforts to popularise the brand, it looks like Arpera is sure going to be a name to reckon with.

Rejuvenate and energise your hair with amla

The Indian gooseberry strengthens the hair and the root, and stabilises the blackness as well, says Barnalee Handique



Beautiful and lustrous hair is what all women long for. No matter which part of the world we inhabit, maintaining a healthy crowning glory is an aspired trait. To get the sheen in your hair, you can choose from a range of haircare products in the market. But can you guess what primarily goes into the making of most of these haircare products? The green, fleshy fruit commonly known as 'amla' or the Indian gooseberry. This berry is not only endowed with natural vitamin C, but is a good source of antioxidants. It stops the regeneration of radicals which are responsible for ageing and cell degeneration. It can be used externally and can be accommodated in your daily diet too. Regular intake of amla results in a stronger healthier digestive system and an improved immune system. It helps detoxification and acts as a laxative. It is also known to increase the metabolism rate and helps one lose weight.
Dr S K Luthra, deputy head, Dabur India, says, “Our hectic lifestyles and the lack of proper nutrients and minerals in our diet play havoc with our skin as well as our hair. The scorching heat of the sun robs the sheen and lustre of our hair and also makes it dry and brittle. The rich antioxidant and vitamin C found in amla helps free the body of radicals. It not only rejuvenates, but also energises.”

The 'keshya' effect
Amla is used in haircare products such as hair creams, lotions and oils for its medicinal properties. It's 'keshya' effect strengthens the hair and hair root and stabilises the blackness of hair as well. Reveals dermatologist Dr Narendra Patwardhan, “We usually prescribe the use of amla for premature hair loss, balding and greying. It has been identified for its key properties that give black and lustrous hair. Besides, it aids in water uptake and water retention supported by the astringency of the skin. Finally, it helps tighten the skin, stimulates the circulation of the scalp and offers protective care.”
Ayurveda extensively propagates the use of amla in daily healthcare routine. Amla when mixed with oil and applied to hair makes it long, dense, soft and lustrous. It can be used with henna for hair to retain their natural colour. Amla is sometimes used in the form of a 'tailam' as a cure for mental disorders. The extract of the dried fruit can be used as a shampoo for cleansing the hair as well.

For a winning smile

Dr Ravi Sapra
Dental Surgeon & Periodontist

You are exhausted after a hard day's work and head straight for the bed. You are too tired to brush or floss your teeth. Who has the time, the energy or the inclination to go through the routine stuff? Right? But, if you skip theses daily dental routines, you are heading for trouble. Remember that your teeth and smile depends a lot on these simple dentalcare habits.
Dr Ravi Sapra says, “Oral health begins with clean teeth. In an age where we are all fighting to stay healthy and fit, a healthy smile is something which we long for. In fact, the condition of your dental health reflects on your general health. Ideally, teeth should be cleaned after every meal, but most people tend to overlook it.”

Common dental issues
Dental problems can occur in different stages in life. The most common dental problems occur due to poor dental hygiene leading to plaque formation, hormonal imbalance commonly seen during pregnancy and menopause. It aggravates the negative effects of plaque. Simple tasks like improper brushing, not flossing, not rinsing properly will lead to the accumulation of food particles in the mouth and lead to tooth decay. If proper care is not taken immediately, the bacteria in the mouth may lead to swollen and bleeding gums. Ultimately, it may cause bad breath, decay, gum disease and weakening and loosening of teeth.
During pregnancy, the most common dental ailment is gingivitis or bleeding gums. In extreme cases, a large localised swelling of the gum may occur known as pregnancy tumour. But, there is nothing to worry, as this swelling is not cancerous. Women should guard against being lethargic and negligent about their oral health during this period. You must get a dental check-up and cleaning done at least twice in your pregnancy.
Other problems like bad breath may happen also due to acidity and sore throat. Women in their menopausal period must have regular dental check-ups to minimise the negative effects of plaque and hormonal imbalance.

Food & nutrition
A balanced diet and proper intake of vitamins and minerals ensures a set of healthy teeth and gums. These, together with good oral hygiene, can help prevent dental cavities, bad breath and gum diseases. Vitamins such as vitamin C, flavonoids and Coenzyme Q10 are antioxidants that help protect your gums against cell damage and promote healing. Vitamin C also helps in building collagen that is vital for building all living tissues. It also acts as a shield against bacterial penetration. It also promotes healthy capillaries, which helps oral tissue in staying healthy. An insufficient intake of these leads to swollen and bleeding gums.
Regular dental check-ups are a must every six months. If any dental problem persists, do visit your nearest dental clinic.

As told to Barnalee Handique