#The figures start elegant and symmetrical

[urgentkettle]

an excellent addition!

Does Tumblr know about the travesty that is the optimal (as far as we know) configuration to pack 17 squares in a larger square?

[theamazingmuse]

Body type series : rectangle

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A new series about how to dress yourself according to your body type.

This is my opinion. My friends and family always come up to me for their outfits like we do with Miranda Priestly. Feel free to adjust

Now let's start

Attributs of the rectangle aka 🚪 type

Everything is aligned. Shoulders, arms and hips.

Most of models have rectangles body types.

There is not a lot of curves.

usually a slim figure

Many people attempt to create curves by wearing low rise jeans. Kendall wears many belts and blazers. Office pants are also good. Professional outfits in general. Open tops also, showing the neck and collarbones. But crew neck can be great especially if you have broad shoulder but it would mean that you are an inverted triangle (a little bit).

Remember that you should always look at the mall in the real life to be sure. Especially for colors but this is something else.

Everything that elongates your body is good. Long dress for exemple. Something that can give curves, especially at the waist. I have this body type and trench, baggy jeans + heels combo are really good. Long skirt, blouses. Same with long coats. You can give the illusion of being an hourglass or an inverted triangle.

More outfits

-> the last dress hugs is gonna hug your body so well ugh. You see, there is always something at the waist because this body shape usually have no curves and that's okay ! But to be harmonious, it's better to create a little snatched effect.

Tips - If you have a short torso (yes short torso mentioned) I insist on "open tops".

-> Bella is an inverted triangles but has no curves (it's created through illusion). Rectangle and inverted triangle are almost the same. It's only the shoulders that are not aligned and more prominent.

It means that you can easily give off a boyish aura. Cargo, flared, bootcut jeans.

Oversized fits ! Do this properly considering your height, so proportions.

I think that the key word for this body type is model - charismatic - elegant - versatile

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The End. God, I wanted to give other things than puffy tops and to just put a belt. Like I said, I have this body type and I struggled a lot because I don't like those puffy top or symmetric skirts/dress. I like charismatic outfits. And even when I am in my feminine moment I like to put dress that hugs my body. I cannot define my style because I am very versatile (me and my gemini venus). But I feel that charismatic outfits, giving aura suit me. I have many blouses, many trench and blazers. It all about experiment.

I am serious so my outfits are too.

I love you wherever you are

theamazingmuse 🚪

[shaadidukaanwedding]

Mandala Mehndi Design: A Timeless Fusion of Art and Spirituality

Mehndi has been a part of Indian, Middle Eastern, and South Asian traditions for centuries, deeply rooted in cultural rituals and celebrations. Among the many styles and patterns that Mehndi offers, Mandala Mehndi Designs stand out for their spiritual symbolism, symmetry, and aesthetic elegance. These designs are inspired by ancient mandalas—circular patterns representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist philosophies. Today, Mandala Mehndi is not only a fashion statement but also a symbolic expression of wholeness, peace, and unity.

The Origin and Meaning of Mandala in Mehndi

The word Mandala comes from Sanskrit, meaning "circle." Mandalas are spiritual and ritual symbols representing the universe and are commonly used in meditation and sacred art. When this concept is applied to Mehndi, it transforms the hands into spiritual canvases.

Mandala Mehndi Designs often start with a central dot or circle, symbolizing the center of existence or the self. From this point, intricate patterns radiate outward in circular symmetry. Each layer adds depth and dimension, creating a mesmerizing design that’s both meditative and beautiful. These motifs are not only visually captivating but are believed to calm the mind and instill a sense of peace and focus.

Why Mandala Mehndi Is Trending

In recent years, Mandala Mehndi Designs have become increasingly popular among brides, fashionistas, and henna enthusiasts. The reasons behind this trend are both aesthetic and symbolic:

Elegance and Balance: The circular symmetry of mandalas offers a perfectly balanced look, which enhances the beauty of the hands or feet.

Minimalist to Intricate Styles: Mandala designs can range from simple and minimalist to extremely detailed, catering to different tastes and occasions.

Universal Appeal: Unlike some regional styles that cater to specific traditions, Mandala designs have a global, spiritual appeal that transcends cultures.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a wedding, festival, or just a self-care day, Mandala Mehndi suits all kinds of celebrations.

Features of Mandala Mehndi Design

Central Focus: A Mandala design usually starts with a central dot or flower placed on the palm or the back of the hand. This central point sets the tone for the entire design.

Geometric Precision: These designs are known for their perfect symmetry and geometric shapes, such as circles, petals, triangles, and dots.

Layered Complexity: Multiple layers of patterns are created around the central point. Each ring may have floral, paisley, or leafy elements that enhance the richness of the design.

Negative Space: Often, Mandala Mehndi Designs incorporate negative space, giving the design a clean and modern appeal.

Adaptability: The design can be extended to the fingers, wrist, arms, or even feet, depending on the wearer’s preference.

Placement Ideas for Mandala Mehndi

Back Hand: A Mandala placed at the center of the back of the hand looks elegant and symmetrical, often paired with finger detailing.

Palm: A central Mandala on the palm creates a spiritual and traditional look, ideal for brides and cultural events.

Feet: Mandala patterns on the tops of feet or ankles look graceful and are perfect for festive and bridal occasions.

Wrist and Forearm: Extended Mandala designs wrapping around the wrist like a cuff or bracelet make for a stylish and unique accessory.

Shoulder and Back: For modern henna art lovers, larger Mandala designs placed on the shoulder or back offer a bold and beautiful statement.

Mandala Mehndi for Brides

Bridal Mandala Mehndi Designs are a blend of tradition and elegance. Brides often choose elaborate Mandalas as the focal point of their Mehndi, surrounded by motifs like peacocks, lotus flowers, dulha-dulhan figures, and paisleys. These designs are detailed and cover a large area, usually extending from palms to elbows or feet to calves.

Mandala designs also fit perfectly with the symbolism of weddings—unity, eternity, and spiritual harmony. Brides who prefer a more modern or minimalist look can opt for smaller Mandala designs with subtle embellishments.

How to Get the Perfect Mandala Design

Creating a perfect Mandala requires patience, a steady hand, and a good understanding of symmetry. Here are a few tips:

Start with a Dot: This serves as your guide for the entire design.

Use Grids and Guidelines: Drawing faint grids helps maintain symmetry in freehand designs.

Focus on Balance: Ensure that every element is mirrored evenly on all sides of the circle.

Combine Elements: Use a mix of dots, lines, curves, and shapes to keep the design visually interesting.

Practice: Mastery comes with practice. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, regular sketching will help you improve your precision.

Tips to Make Your Mandala Mehndi Last Longer

Let the Mehndi Dry Naturally: Avoid using dryers or fans. Let the paste dry on its own.

Apply Lemon-Sugar Mixture: This helps darken the stain and keeps the paste intact.

Avoid Water Contact: For the first 24 hours, try to avoid washing your hands with water.

Apply Balm or Clove Smoke: These traditional methods help deepen the color of the stain.

Final Thoughts

Mandala Mehndi Designs are more than just pretty patterns. They are a celebration of culture, spirituality, and personal expression. Whether you prefer a detailed Mandala covering your entire palm or a minimalist one adorning your wrist, this style offers versatility and timeless beauty.

As fashion evolves and cultures blend, Mandala Mehndi continues to be a favorite choice for those seeking elegance with meaning. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling centered, connected, and creatively inspired. So next time you pick up a cone of henna, try creating your own Mandala masterpiece and experience the magic unfold on your skin.

[lease-a-leaf]

Best Outdoor Plants to Hire for Events and Special Occasions

Adding live plants to any venue instantly transforms the atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday party, or product launch, outside plants hire brings freshness, colour, and elegance to your space. Greenery softens harsh edges, adds movement, and creates a more inviting environment for guests.

Beyond looks, outdoor plants offer functional benefits too. They can help guide foot traffic, hide less attractive areas, or define spaces such as a ceremony aisle, lounge area, or photo backdrop. With a wide range of styles and sizes, you can match the greenery to the feel of your event—whether it’s classic, boho, tropical, or formal.

How Outside Plants Hire Adds Instant Style and Elegance

Hiring plants is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your event styling without major costs or long-term commitments. You don’t have to worry about buying, potting, transporting, or keeping plants alive—everything is handled for you. A professional outside plants hire company will deliver healthy, beautifully presented plants, place them for maximum impact, and remove them after your event.

You also get access to premium greenery that’s often hard to find in local nurseries. Popular hires include palms, sculpted hedges, flowering shrubs, and statement trees in designer pots.

Why It’s Better Than Buying or DIY

Buying plants for a one-day event is not only expensive—it’s often wasteful. You’d need to transport, clean, pot, and water the plants, then figure out what to do with them after. With outside plants hire, you avoid the stress, save time, and get expert support from start to finish.

Instead of guessing which plants suit your venue or theme, let the experts recommend the best options. You’ll get plants that thrive in outdoor settings, look lush on camera, and stay healthy throughout your event.

Top Event Styling Trends Using Outdoor Planters Hire

How Outdoor Planters Hire Shapes the Vibe of Your Venue

Plants do more than just sit in the background—they shape the entire atmosphere. With outdoor planters hire, you can quickly shift a plain outdoor space into something lush, modern, or tropical. The shape, colour, and height of the planters can reflect your theme, from sleek black pots for a corporate launch to rustic timber boxes for a countryside wedding.

Event stylists often use large planters to anchor lounge areas or frame key spaces like the bar or stage. Smaller pots can line pathways or act as centrepieces, giving your space a curated and intentional look.

Matching Plant Containers to Themes: Rustic, Modern, Tropical

Think about your event’s vibe. For a tropical feel, hire palms in wide, white planters. Want something more formal? Opt for sculpted Buxus Hedge or flowering shrubs in symmetrical pots. Planning a rustic wedding? Natural or terracotta pots pair perfectly with wooden furniture and soft lighting.

Outdoor planters hire gives you the flexibility to mix and match containers and plants to suit any occasion—and to update your look as trends evolve.

Best Statement Plants to Wow Your Guests

Which Large, Leafy Plants Create Instant Impact

Statement plants bring height, drama, and greenery to any setting. Tall palms, leafy ferns, and large philodendrons are favourites for events because they catch the eye and create a “wow” moment as guests arrive.

Place these bold plants at the entrance, next to the stage, or in open areas where they’ll stand out without cluttering the space. They’re ideal for photos, too.

Palms, Fiddle Leaf Figs, and Lush Ferns for Height and Volume

Need volume? Fiddle leaf figs have broad, glossy leaves that fill empty spaces beautifully. Want something lighter and airier? Ferns cascade softly and work well under lighting.

Combining these statement plants with smaller ones helps create balance. A mix of textures and heights makes your event feel more polished and professionally styled.

How Hedge Plants Create Natural Dividers and Backdrops

Why Hedge Plants Are Perfect for Privacy and Flow

Hedge Plants are a clever way to create natural partitions at events. They’re especially useful for sectioning off VIP areas, hiding unsightly views, or creating a peaceful space within a larger outdoor venue. Guests feel more relaxed in defined spaces, and greenery makes those areas feel calm and elegant—not closed off.

Short hedges can also act as subtle guides, directing people to entrances, bars, or seating zones. For this, compact options like Buxus Microphylla are a perfect fit.

Great for Red Carpets, Bridal Aisles, or VIP Areas

Hedges frame walkways beautifully. Whether you’re styling a red carpet or a garden aisle, you can line both sides with greenery for a grand entrance effect. And for private lounges or speaker areas, taller hedges provide privacy without the need for fencing or walls.

Lease A Leaf, a trusted name in outside plants hire, offers a full range of Hedge Plants and planters to suit any event. Their team handles delivery, setup, and even maintenance on the day, so you can focus on your event without worrying about the plants.

Why Buxus Hedge and Buxus Microphylla Are Event Favourites

The Classic Look of Buxus Hedge for Formal Styling

When it comes to elegance, you can’t go wrong with Buxus Hedge. These plants are trimmed to clean, geometric shapes that bring a formal and structured look to your layout. They’re often used to line pathways, define stage fronts, or flank doors and archways.

Because they’re evergreen and neatly shaped, they stay visually strong throughout your event—no wilting, no mess.

Compact, Neat Shapes of Buxus Microphylla for Tabletops or Walkways

Buxus Microphylla is a smaller variety with dense, bright green leaves. These are perfect for events where you need greenery at a lower height—like on tabletops, buffet lines, or along walkways. They’re tidy, charming, and suit both classic and modern themes.

With their versatility and year-round beauty, both types of Buxus are among the most popular plants to hire for weddings, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings.

What to Consider Before Booking Outside Plants Hire

How to Choose the Right Plants for Weather and Location

The best plants for your event depend on the venue’s lighting, wind exposure, and layout. For outdoor settings with full sun, hardy plants like palms and Buxus Hedge perform well. Shadier areas may suit ferns or more delicate shrubs.

If you’re unsure, ask your provider to recommend options based on your location and the time of year. That way, your plants look fresh and thrive all day long.

Should You Consider Full Delivery and Styling Support?

Absolutely. A reliable outside plants hire company should do more than drop off pots. Look for one that offers delivery, setup, and pack-down—and even styling advice.

You should also confirm what's included in your hire package. Does it cover plant maintenance during the event? Do they replace anything damaged or dying? A clear, all-inclusive quote helps avoid last-minute stress.

How to Make the Most of Outdoor Plants on Your Big Day

Grouping and Spacing Tips for Visual Balance

To get the best effect, avoid cluttering your space with too many plants. Instead, create clusters in high-impact areas—like near signage, guest seating, or stages. Balance tall plants with medium or low ones to keep the layout open and stylish.

Pair statement plants with subtler greens like Buxus Microphylla to give texture without stealing the spotlight.

When to Mix Outdoor Planters Hire with Lighting and Décor

Plants work even harder when paired with lighting. Uplighting a Hedge Plant or palm tree creates a magical evening effect. Add candles or string lights to nearby outdoor planters hire and you’ll create a warm, welcoming atmosphere your guests won’t forget.

For best results, speak with your stylist or planner—or even your plant hire provider. They’ll know how to blend greenery with décor to create the look you’re after.

[duxiaomin-blog]

The Aesthetic Similarities and Differences between Baroque, Rococo, and French Chinoiserie

In the fields of art and architecture, the aesthetic styles of different periods exhibit distinct characteristics that reflect the social, cultural, and historical changes of their times. Baroque, Rococo, and French Chinoiserie, as three different aesthetic movements, emerged at different stages of European history, each presenting a unique and diverse artistic appearance.

The Baroque style originated in 17th-century Italy and quickly spread throughout Europe. Its core concept is to express emotion through exaggeration and movement while emphasizing grandeur and solemnity. During the Baroque period, artists often used rich decorations, curved lines, and sculptures to create a strong religious or political atmosphere. Typical architectural features include large domes, symmetrical structures, and lavish decorations. In terms of aesthetic concepts, Baroque works frequently used gold alongside deep, rich colors to emphasize the solemnity of religion and politics, focusing on the expression of the sacred and authoritative, with a tendency towards a more masculine aesthetic.

The Jesuit Church in Vienna (German: Jesuitenkirche) is a two-story, twin-towered church influenced by the early Baroque style, redesigned by Andrea Pozzo between 1703 and 1705. Although its exterior is relatively plain, the interior is adorned with lavish faux marble columns, classic domes typical of Baroque architecture, symmetrical structures, gilded decorations, and numerous allegorical ceiling frescoes. The ceiling is divided into four compartments, with the frescoes employing trompe-l’œil techniques to create an illusion of depth, simulating a dome, even though they are painted on flat sections of the ceiling. This is a true masterpiece of the Baroque period.

In Rubens’ paintings, he creates a strong sense of dynamism in the figures and scenes through vivid poses, flowing compositions, and rich colors. By using bright, full, and impactful colors with strong contrasts between light and dark, he enhances the dramatic and captivating quality of the artwork. This drama, generated by the dynamic postures and the contrast between deep and saturated colors, is a key characteristic of paintings from the Baroque period.

The Rococo style, which emerged in 18th-century France, developed as an evolution and resistance to the Baroque style. While it inherited the sense of movement from Baroque, featuring rich curves and surfaces, Rococo diverged by emphasizing lightness, elegance, and whimsy. Its decorations were generally more delicate and lighter than those of the Baroque. Starting from the late 17th century, Europe was influenced by Chinese imports and the accounts and writings of missionaries, reaching a peak during the reign of Louis XV. As a result, the Rococo style was heavily influenced by the Oriental aesthetics of Chinoiserie, featuring asymmetric compositions and incorporating Eastern motifs such as scrolling vines and floral and bird patterns, with a greater focus on expressions of nature. Influenced by these Eastern aesthetics, the color palette shifted away from the solemn and oppressive tones of Baroque to softer pastels, focusing more on personal emotions and emphasizing a relaxed, joyful, and sensual atmosphere. It represents an aesthetic inclined towards feminine sensibilities.

From the Rococo-style gilded carved wooden mirrors in the Sotheby collection, one can clearly see the asymmetrical compositions derived from Oriental aesthetics and the Rococo’s classic pursuit of lavish decoration. This includes the gilding inherited from the Baroque style and the lightness and dynamic movement in the floral and vine decorations.

The true Chinoiserie began in the late 13th century when the Italian Marco Polo visited the Yuan Dynasty’s capital and reached its peak in the mid-18th century, influencing nearly every European country. The emergence of French Chinoiserie indirectly influenced the development of the Rococo style, uniquely blending Chinese elements with traditional European art. French Chinoiserie introduced Chinese motifs, expressing a longing for exotic cultures. Overall, French Chinoiserie features distinct Chinese characteristics, such as Chinese figures with hats, buildings with upturned eaves, and asymmetrical compositions, while incorporating European traditional art aesthetics. This includes the integration with the Rococo style, the light and shadow techniques upheld in Boucher’s paintings, the full-bodied European forms, and various fantastical imaginations about China. This made French Chinoiserie a new style, a European fantasy about China, and a cross-cultural aesthetic experience.

The “Shimmering Crane” brooch by Chucui Palace, a high-end jewelry brand with roots in an Italian jewelry family from the mid-20th century, showcases French Chinoiserie jewelry that emphasizes the curves and surfaces characteristic of the Rococo style. The entire piece displays a strong sense of movement created by its flowing curves, embodying a “wind-and-water” dynamic. The design features the classic Chinoiserie asymmetrical composition and uses soft pastel blues, a color choice inspired by the Rococo palette. Beyond these Rococo influences, the piece draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese ink painting technique of shading, meticulously setting various shades of blue gemstones to achieve the purity and gradient effects of ink washes. The entire piece highlights the deep connections between French Chinoiserie, Rococo style, and traditional Chinese elements.

Among the Sotheby’s collection is a gilt-bronze ornament from the reign of Louis XV, featuring German porcelain of a “Chinese family” motif. This piece of French Chinoiserie is adorned with a Chinese-style pavilion with a pagoda roof and three groups of Chinese figures. However, the figures’ full-bodied forms and the delicate decoration with rococo scroll leaves and gilding remain distinctly European and Rococo in style. While incorporating elements of porcelain, the piece engages with it through a European sculptural approach, imbuing the entire work with the dramatic tension inherent in French Chinoiserie’s cross-cultural blend of materials, elements, and expressions, making it highly valuable artistically.

At the intersection of aesthetics, Baroque, Rococo, and French Chinoiserie each bloom with unique brilliance, presenting a rich and colorful artistic realm. Baroque contributes its grandeur and solemnity, Rococo offers lightness and elegance, and French Chinoiserie provides a wondrous blend of exotic cultures, together forming an exquisite artistic tapestry. These three styles not only reflect the cultural essence of their respective eras but also create new aesthetic possibilities at their intersections. In this fusion of arts, we witness the continuity of history and the integration of cultures. This is not only a celebration of art but also a dialogue across time and space, awakening the viewer’s sensitivity and curiosity towards diverse cultures. It embodies the inclusiveness and innovation of aesthetics, showcasing the eternal allure of art.

[humanpersonface]

NO nonono. It's even funnier than that. Bc I could be corrected here but from my art history knowledge "grotesque" DOES come from "grotto" but SPECIFICALLY a style of art that became very popular in the Renaissance in the 16th century. Because some ancient Roman vacation palace was discovered underground-- if I remember correctly some kid in the Italian countryside fell into a hole and when they got him out he was like "there's some mad crazy shit down here" so they had a fun little Renaissance archeology dig. They called this palace a "grotto" because it was underground and cave-like.

What was important about this grotto was that because it was underground the frescoes on the walls were suuuuper well preserved. At this point most examples of ancient Roman architecture didn't have any frescoes still on it because weather and exposure had wiped it away. (Remember Pompeii wasn't really dug up yet) and the Italian Renaissance was all about the rebirth of Acient Rome so these bitches went FERAL over this discovery. They were so fucking amped about getting examples of Ancient Roman decorative styles that they had previously had no way of knowing about. The main decorative style evident?

This. These types of semi symmetrical, arabesque decorative motifs often featuring hybrid creatures of plant, animal and humans. Renaissance artists went ape shit for this and it started showing up EVERYWHERE. It was called "grotteschi" (meaning, as you pointed out in your initial post-- "grotto- esque" or "from the grotto") see below

Here's some in the Vatican painted by Raphael in the loggia of Pope Leo X.

Here's the dealio, though, you may notice that the grotesque borders here don't have as much hybrid figures. That's because the Church had a complicated relationship with grotesque art. Because yes it was Ancient Roman and they liked that but also a lot of the hybrid forms and monsters evoked the pagan roots of Rome and they did not like that. So churches had some weird hangups and rules about using it. For real I won't get into it any further because I literally wrote a paper about Raphael's use of grotesque/hybridity in this loggia and the Stanza Della Signatura as symbolizing Christianity purifying the dangers of paganism. I won't get into it. But it's real fun.

ANYHOW partially because of this pagan association and partially because of the literal hybrid creatures in the artwork, "grotesque" art became associated with fantastical and specifically monstrous forms. It started being applied to stuff that wasn't strictly speaking actual grotesque style art-- for instance gargoyles-- particularly as the decorative form spread outside of Italy and up north.

With all of this, some scholars who were pro the "elegant" Renaissance style of the south started using "grotesque" actually as a negative to describe the northern Gothic cathedrals that they didn't like largely due to things like gargoyles and such.

So I'm sure I'm butchering parts of it by writing this all on the fly from memory and I'm sure I simplified it a lot, but that's why "grotesque" came to mean "ugly or monstrous"!

So babygirl you look like a funky lil pagan plant bird monster with ya tiddies out.

PS-- one if the neatest tidbits I remember reading about grotesque was that when Christian missions in South America started making indigenous ppl build/pray in churches, sometimes the indigenous ppl would use the borderline "acceptable" decorative style of grotesque to hide imagery of their own religion/stories/dieties in the figures. That way they could continue praying to their own religion under the pos missionaries' noses.

fascinated by the etymology of the word "grotesque" because the "-esque" suffix implies that it means "like grot" or "resembling grot" which sure is something

[thejaipurloomkids]

Perfect Crop Top Skirt for Girls, Types, Dress-up according to Body Type & Event

Perfect Crop Top Skirt for Girls, Types, Dress-up according to Body Type & Event

The summertime vibes are in the air, the sun is shining, and the days are getting longer. Embracing the summertime with the classic crop top and skirt combination couldn't be simpler. Whether you're going for festival cool, urban improvement, or beach chic, there are countless ways to express your style with this versatile combination. But it might not be easy to understand the expanse of skirts and crop tops. Fashionistas, do not fear! Let's get started! This article will provide you with all the tips and methods you need to put together the perfect combination.

For many occasions, crop tops and skirts are among the sexiest, cutest, and most adaptable clothing options. There is a wide variety of skirts to choose from, including long, pencil, high-waisted, and tiny skirts. Some give your look an elegant aspect, while others give it a colourful vibe. Some skirts also give you that additional playful touch to ensure that people remember who you are.

Knowing Your Body Type before add Crop Top Skirt for Girls in Wardrobe

Most importantly, accept the shape of your body! For every shape and size, there's a crop top and skirt set out there for you. Here's a quick guide to finding silhouettes that flatter your figure:

Pear-shaped:

Wear a fitted crop top and a flowy midi skirt to balance out your broader hips. Styles with a high waist bring attention to your waist.

Apple-shaped:

If you want a symmetrical look, choose skirts with a wide waist or an A-line shape. For a casual style, pair them with baggy tops or cropped peplums.

Hourglass-shaped:

Flaunt off your curves with crop tops and bodycon skirts. Experiment with beautiful patterns and prints.

Petite:

Wear shorter crop tops and high-waisted skirts to give the appearance of length. Additionally, vertical stripes lengthen your body.

Curvy:

Adore your natural curves! Embrace crop tops and fitted skirts that comfortably fit your figure. For a flattering look, use fabrics that are soft and drapey.

Types of Crop Top Skirt for Girls:

Now explore some beautiful skirts:-

1.Mini Skirts:

Colourful and playful, these skirts are perfect for showcasing your legs. For a daytime outing, pair them with sneakers and a casual crop top; for an evening out, style them up with shoes and an elegant top.

2. Midi Skirts:

Stylish and adaptable, midi skirts add elegance without compromising comfort. For a formal appearance, pair them with cropped sweaters or blazers; alternatively, go bohemian with flowing tops and sandals.

3.Maxi Skirts:

Lightweight and relaxed maxi skirts are the perfect choice for hot summer days. For a beachy feel, go for flowing fabrics and colourful prints; alternatively, go for elegant, fitted styles for a fashionable appearance.

Crop Top Skirt for Girls with High-Waisted Skirts:

Wearing high-waisted skirts is a great process for improving your self-confidence regarding that small fat lump on your stomach. High-waisted skirts look great with crop tops because most crop tops partially expose the upper body. A tight skirt with a high waist might look fantastic with a bell-sleeved crop top. Formal clothing options include pencil skirts with a high waist and crop tops. It's a unique way to style a crop top. You also get the hourglass shape you've always wanted. Don't believe us? See how your appearance changes for the day by giving a try on a Girls Crop Top Skirt for Festive from The Jaipur Loom Kids.

Crop Top Skirt for Girls with A Long Skirt:

The pairing of a The Jaipur Loom Kids crop top skirt is a timeless fashion combination that offers both versatility and attractive charm. From beachy bohemian vibes to city-chic elegance, this dynamic duo can be adapted to a multitude of styles and occasions.

Choosing a contrasting colour pattern for your combination is a good place to start if you're having trouble pulling off the crop top and long skirt look. With the appropriate accessories, a top and long skirt, for example, look great for breakfast or an evening out. Wearing a long skirt with a high waist and a crop top is a fantastic alternative to wearing this combo.

Remember to dress according to your personal style and comfort level while keeping the festive theme in mind. Have fun with your outfit, and enjoy the celebration! If you want to make your girl child more beautiful and charming, try The Jaipur Loom Kids crop top skirt for girls and the other Buy ethnic kids wear with different patterns or prints and quality.

Crop Top Skirt for Girls with Short Skirt

Choose breathable fabrics and styles that allow for freedom of movement. Feeling comfortable boosts confidence and lets you truly enjoy your outfit. Experiment with Kids Crop Top Skirt for Diwali with different styles and find what makes you feel good about yourself. Crop top skirt for girls give you a more elegant or charming look to your beauty. Your child looks more adorable in a crop top skirt.

Festive wear Crop Top Skirt for Girls

For a festive look with a girls' crop top and skirt, you'll want to aim for something stylish, comfortable, and appropriate for the occasion.

Look for Traditional crop top skirt for girls adorned with festive elements like metallic embellishments, sequins, or bright colours. A crop top with some sparkle can make an enormous impact on the overall look. For more flair, think of off-the-shoulder, halter neck, or lace embellishment styles. Match the crop top with an elegantly tailored skirt that enhances the top. For a celebratory event, a flowing mid-length skirt in satin or chiffon would be perfect. Select skirts that match the occasion's theme by looking for ones with vibrant designs, flowery motifs, or rich colours.

Diwali wear Crop Top Skirt for Girls

For Diwali, a festival celebrated with great pomp and splendour, you'll want to dress your child in something vibrant, comfortable, and culturally appropriate. Select a crop top that features beading, mirror work, or embroidery, which are typical Indian embellishments. Try to stay away from dark hues like pink, orange, red, or gold, which are often connected to Diwali festivities. For this occasion, styles like peplum tops, short kurtis, and cholis would be appropriate. Wear a completing or matching skirt with the crop top. For Diwali, a lehenga skirt, crop top skirt, ghagra with elaborate embroidery, or traditional designs like block, ikat, or bandhani would be perfect. Because kids are likely to be involved in a lot of different activities and festivities, choose skirts that fit comfortably around the waist and allow for flexibility.

[homedecor-shop-online]

Invite calmness: An In-Depth Look at Minimalist Living Room decor

Our homes should be an escape from reality amid the fast-paced world we live in. A place where we can relax, enjoy, and forget about our day. While magic does not belong in this world to instantly transform our lives, we can take smaller steps to make our space a home.

You don’t need to go overboard when it comes to decor as well. Transforming your living room can be a good start. In this blog, we will explore the art of minimalist decor and provide a thorough how-to for achieving a calm environment through well-considered design decisions. In this blog, we will also mention a few products that can be used as decorative items for living room. So let’s get started.

Simple Yet Impactful Living Room Decor Ideas

1. Thoughtful Wall Decor: Paintings and Wall Arts

When choosing wall art, choose art pieces with straightforward, soothing patterns. Choose an item that captures your essence while adhering to a simple style. For example, visual interest can be achieved without being unduly complex in a large abstract painting with a restricted colour palette. This ‘Night Village Scenes’ painting can be a simple yet effective addition to your living room.

Examine the idea of a gallery wall with a minimalist touch to develop this further. Select a group of tiny, coordinating pieces of art that together convey a narrative. This enables creative expression in a small space in addition to adding visual interest.

2. Simple Sculpture: Figures and Idols

Because you are working in small spaces, too many big decorations, like paintings, can be overwhelming. Small and creative figurines orshowpieces for living room are quite effective when decorating small rooms. Figurines and idols can effectively convey a theme of simplicity. A calm Buddha statue thoughtfully positioned on a shelf or a tiny wooden figurine crafted by hand can evoke a sense of simplicity. These objects can also be multi-functional. For example, this ‘Cat Mouth Open', aside from being a cute decorative object, can also be used to store keys or candy.

3. Functional Elegance: Wall Shelves and Display Cases

Adding wall shelves to a small living room is a wise design choice. Let no one tell you otherwise. Select streamlined, understated decorative objects for living room. When you ornament a floating shelf with a few well-chosen succulents, a framed portrait, or a tiny piece of abstract art, it becomes both aesthetically beautiful and utilitarian.

Brass hanging diyas, candle holders, your book collection, or even small vases can be placed on the shelves. Floating shelves can literally broaden your creativity without taking up too much of your space.

The Grace of Equilibrium

A room feels more organised when it is symmetrical. Finding equilibrium, especially in a limited living area, is essential. Think about symmetrical configurations, such as a pair of identical vases on a console table or matching end tables on either side of the sofa. It creates a sense of balance in the visuals without appearing cluttered.

Introduce mirrored decor pieces to further explore the idea of symmetry. An elegant touch is added along with a sense of additional space thanks to a well-placed mirror. A set of mirrored trays or a coffee table would be great for their visual appeal and practicality.

Quality over Quantity in Mindful Curation

Every object in minimalism should have a purpose. Make deliberate choices for high-quality decor components. One thing that must be avoided at all costs is mass-produced decor, as it is most likely low in quality. Without overcrowding the room, a single, expertly made decorative dish on the coffee table or a thoughtfully selected abstract sculpture can make a big statement. To keep the decor feeling dynamic and new, switch up the pieces on a regular basis rather than sticking with a predetermined selection. As a result, a carefully chosen aesthetic can be achieved without running the risk of overcrowding the space.

The Power of Blank Space

Last but not least, do not underestimate the power of blank spaces. Blank space is a design decision that enhances the room's attractiveness, not only the absence of ornamentation. When decorating a tiny living room, avoid covering every wall. Give areas room to breathe while paying attention to their location. One statement piece on a wall that creates a focal point without overpowering the space is a perfect example.

Conclusion

The ideas of minimalism provide direction when designing a calm and clutter-free tiny living area. Every object has a function; wall decor is thoughtfully chosen for its calming effect; and blank space is made intentional. A calm refuge can be created in your small living space by embracing a neutral colour scheme, adding sculptured simplicity and practical elegance, and carefully choosing your decor. The key to minimalism is making deliberate decisions that result in a peaceful and harmonious living environment, not only in what you choose to include.

If you are looking to start your home decor transformation, Satguru’s should be at the centre of this transformation. They are one of thebest gift shops online, renowned for their showpieces and paintings. Along with decor items, you can also buy functional decor like dinner sets or tea sets that can also be a good addition to your kitchen decor. Visit their website to learn more about their services.

[daily-quiz-join]

Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the forgotten genius: The Architect Behind the Taj Mahal, Red Fort

The Taj Mahal, often described as the "jewel of India," is an architectural marvel that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. While it is a symbol of eternal love and an iconic masterpiece, the man behind its design and construction, Ustad Ahmad Lahori, remains relatively less known. In this article, we will explore the life, contributions, and enduring legacy of Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the genius architect responsible for bringing the Taj Mahal to life.

Table: Important Details about Ustad Ahmad Lahori

DetailInformationFull NameUstad Ahmad LahoriBirth DateApproximately 1580 (Exact date uncertain)BirthplaceLahore, Mughal Empire (Present-day Pakistan)Death DateAfter 1648 (Exact date uncertain)Place of ActivityPrimarily Agra and Delhi, Mughal EmpireDynastyThe Mughal EmpireNotable WorksTaj Mahal, Red Fort (Agra), Badshahi Mosque (Lahore)Architectural StyleMughal architectureInfluenceContributions to Indo-Islamic architecture Early Life and Education Ustad Ahmad Lahori's early life is shrouded in mystery, with few details available about his upbringing and family background. Born around 1580 in Lahore, which was part of the Mughal Empire, he likely grew up in an environment influenced by the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region. Apprenticeship and Mentorship During his formative years, Ahmad Lahori would have been exposed to the architectural wonders of the Mughal Empire, including the magnificent structures commissioned by Emperor Akbar. It is believed that he received his architectural education and training under the guidance of experienced architects and craftsmen of his time. Association with the Mughal Court Ahmad Lahori's exceptional talent and skills in architecture eventually led him to the heart of the Mughal Empire, where he would become a prominent figure in the realm of architectural design. Arrival in Agra Ahmad Lahori's journey to architectural prominence began when he relocated to Agra, the imperial capital of the Mughal Empire, during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. Here, he would start making significant contributions to the architectural landscape of the city. Notable Works in Agra: - Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb: Ahmad Lahori played a role in the design and construction of this elegant marble tomb, often referred to as the "Baby Taj." - Agra Fort: He made substantial contributions to the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. Design and Construction of the Taj Mahal Ustad Ahmad Lahori's most celebrated work is undoubtedly the Taj Mahal, a monument that has become synonymous with beauty, love, and architectural perfection. Shah Jahan's Vision The creation of the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan, who was deeply devoted to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan envisioned a mausoleum that would not only be a tribute to her memory but also an enduring symbol of their eternal love. Design Influence: Shah Jahan's vision drew inspiration from Persian and Islamic architectural styles, reflecting his commitment to creating a timeless masterpiece that would transcend generations. Architectural Brilliance The Taj Mahal is celebrated for its breathtaking architectural features, each of which bears the imprint of Ustad Ahmad Lahori's genius. Key Architectural Features: - White Marble Façade: The exterior of the Taj Mahal is adorned with intricate inlay work, including semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli and jasper, against a backdrop of pristine white marble. - Symmetry and Balance: The monument is perfectly symmetrical, with the main tomb at its center and four minarets framing the structure, creating an optical illusion of ethereal beauty. Construction Techniques The construction of the Taj Mahal was a monumental undertaking, requiring innovative engineering techniques, meticulous planning, and a vast workforce. Notable Techniques: - Persian Chahar Bagh: The Taj Mahal is situated within a Persian-style garden (Chahar Bagh) divided into four quadrants by water channels, emphasizing its symmetry and beauty. - Double Dome: The monument features a double dome, an architectural marvel that enhances its grandeur while ensuring structural stability. Legacy and Impact Ustad Ahmad Lahori's legacy as an architect is intrinsically tied to the Taj Mahal, a monument that continues to awe and inspire people from all walks of life. Global Icon of Love and Beauty The Taj Mahal stands as a universal symbol of love, architectural excellence, and artistic grandeur. It has transcended cultural and geographical boundaries to become a source of inspiration for artists, poets, and lovers worldwide. Cultural Significance: Its enduring appeal is a testament to Ustad Ahmad Lahori's extraordinary skills in capturing the essence of beauty and romance through architecture. Influence on Mughal Architecture Ustad Ahmad Lahori's contributions to Mughal architecture extended beyond the Taj Mahal, significantly shaping the architectural landscape of the Mughal Empire. Architectural Style: He played a pivotal role in defining and popularizing the Mughal architectural style, characterized by grandeur, symmetry, and intricate detailing. UNESCO World Heritage Sites Several of Ahmad Lahori's creations, including the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Historical Preservation: His works continue to be celebrated for their historical and cultural significance, safeguarding the rich heritage of the Mughal Empire. Conclusion Ustad Ahmad Lahori, a master architect of the Mughal Empire, left an indelible mark on the world through his masterpiece, the Taj Mahal. His artistic brilliance, meticulous craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to Emperor Shah Jahan's vision brought forth one of the most iconic and enduring monuments in human history. As millions of visitors continue to be enchanted by the Taj Mahal's timeless beauty, they pay homage to the genius of Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the true architect behind this architectural marvel. His legacy lives on in the resplendent white marble of the Taj Mahal, a sublime tribute to love, beauty, and architectural grandeur. Read the full article

[cup1dvalenl1na]

AHHGGGHKTJ4VR SOUL EATER FANFIC??????

Death the Kid with a Male s/o thats surprisingly strong. Liks Maybe he'a older than him by a year or something so he didn't see him when he first joined DWMA, but male!reader got transfered to stein's class. Kid thought he was weak until they were assigned a misson together.

Or

Death the kid with a male!s/o who has a partners who are actual twins and are twin swords???

⤷ ♤ anon

This is very interesting! I'll do the first one, if you want me to make a seperate post for the second one you can tell me.

Prologue first ⬇️

So I'm pretty sure at the beginning if the manga he's like 13-14 (Don't take my word on that, the ages of the soul eater characters were never really confirmed.)

So you would be around 12-13 ?? ANYWAYS MOVING ON

So I'm going to guess that originally you were in the NOT class, not because you weren't strong but because people never really expected you to be strong, since you look like ":3" (kinda weird considering patty is in EAT but whateva)

So Kid never really knew you then, but you would know who he is. I mean he is DEATHS legitimate son, how wouldn't you know who he is.

Later on, when you join the EAT class, Kid sees you and is a little interested in what you can do since you look about the same age as Patty. It's not like the DWMA had any age restrictions of who can join the EAT class, but it's very rare to see someone super young in there. (He says, as he's only one year older.)

He would snoop around lowkey, tryna figure out stuff about you, and when you go to take a mission he would "coincidentally" take the same one.

He is pleasantly surprised when he sees your abilities, and he's like "damn I see you I SEE YOU🦅🦅💪🔥🔥" He would compliment your abilities after the mission, and would offer to train with you if you ever wanted or needed it.

Romantic Hc ⬇️

During these training sessions, you two would get closer. Him offering advice to you and bandaging each other after training. (Bros gonna put a band aid on both sides even if you don't have an injury there to make you symmetrical.😮‍💨)

Because of these moments you two would start to fall for another, although Kid isn't really familiar with romantic stuff since he's never seen or experienced it. He was born asexually, so he doesn't have two parents to really base the idea of love off of?

So he would be a little confused at first, but dw, once he figures it out more I think he would be very sweet as a lover.

He has a lot of faith in you, and always wants to fight by your side.

Lowkey he would go off on a tangent after missions of how elegant and exquisite you seemed while fighting. Has probably tried drawing/painting you in action but ended up destroying it bc it wasn't perfect.

Would probably make you do a two person pose when you're about to fight someone, he's kinda corny like that. But he thinks it's cool, let him be. (Remember the 3rd ep where he Patty and Liz were posing before he started scolding them for not being symmetrical 💀)

However if you somehow get injured during battle he would be PISSED. Lowkey grabs Liz and Patty and starts BLASTING (Que the scene where he starts fighting that unsymmetrical Egyptian Kishin in ep 3)

You guys are a total power duo, you guys help protect others and each other during battles. Many people count on you guys. (black star makes fun of you two, teasingly calling you two his power couple before Kid shoves him off and scolds him)

He is grateful to have you by his side, and you guys can count on each other no matter what happens.

Why was Kid actually so fun to write about omg

[vertebrae-entertainment]

1.25.23 - ‘Anchor’

Hi y’all! Its been a while since we did a proper blog update, so i figured it was time i talk about the thing people usually talk about when i bring up the main character of our fishing game: “whoah, he’s a big dude huh?”

Designing a tough guy

When me and Åge first discussed this project, I told them two things would make me automatically passionate about it. The first was that the main character should be a hot dude, and the second was that he should be transgender. Now, at a glance it doesn't seem that complicated (and it really isn’t). I like hot dudes, I like to draw bulk, and I am a trans man myself. Seeing as we are a two-person team, there’s no CEO to tell me what I can and cannot do, so naturally this was how the basic concept ended up.

Following from there I started designing. I took some amphibious inspiration, building him sort of like a frog- top heavy and with long legs, lending itself well to animating acrobatics. I wanted to make him tall and menacing, with a shadow covering his face to make him seem mysterious. At the same time I couldn't forget his fishing lifestyle. In the end he ended up somewhere between Batman and Popeye, with a sprinkle of elegance for good measure. It turned out to lend itself really well to build him like he was hunting monsters for a living, as that was what the game was turning into.

After settling on a color scheme of black, white and red, and taking inspiration from the simplistic designs of the UPA-revival movement for ease of animation, I figured he needed a tattoo- both to top off the design and hint at his marine connection. The anchor seemed obvious! A symmetrical object right on the middle, plenty of body hair, and our main man was ready for the screen!

The tough guy through a queer lens

I have a huge soft spot for towering tough guys, it's no secret. From Conan to the T-800, this hyper masculine archetype may seem dated and boring to others, but personally I cannot get enough of it. What kind of pressure does it take to make a man two steps from a monster? In an odd sort of way, I suppose I find it relatable. Furthermore, I always find masculinity as a topic lends itself really well to a transgender lens- it's like free nuance! It is one thing to be born into this cruel, limiting role.. But what does it tell of a character, their story, when it is a choice?

Some people express confusion learning that this fisherman is transgender, which drives the question: should you be able to tell? Frankly, I think there should be a hell of a lot more trans men in media before we tackle this question. Assuming someone can’t be genetically tall and bulky due to the gender assigned at birth is an awfully dated idea to begin with, in my humble opinion.

I am out here making what I  would like to see a trans man in a videogame do, which is be huge, wrestle monsters and kiss cute guys. A topic me and Åge started tackling back in the Liquid State days was the concept of a trans power fantasy- which is exactly what it reads on the tin. While there are few men (trans and not) who fit into the shapely mold of a hyper masculine, sword-swinging barbarian god, many admire these characters and live out their fantasies through them.

Besides, you can tell! We specifically make excuses to show off his shark-teeth patterned top surgery scars because we want people to know. Hey, are you a trans guy that likes bulky dudes? This one’s for you!

In conclusion

While my inspirations are deceptively simple and reasons are uncomplicated, I often catch myself thinking about this design. Is it realistic? Is it alienating? Is it empowering? Is it wise? Even if he was designed straight from a trans man’s gut with no worries about the greater question of good representation, I often find myself thinking as though the task of representing all trans men lies solely on my shoulders. It is an unrealistic, unfair expectation. I am not all trans men, neither is he. 

His design and background is a love letter to one of my favorite types of characters, no doubt mixed in with years of queer, man-loving brain soup. He is what I like, and what I want to see in a video game. At the end of the day, I can only hope that what I enjoy also appeals to others.

So far, all signs point to yes. :)

This is our fanart wall, right by my desk at our office. I put them right where i can see them every day. Thanks for the support, folks- it means the world to me.

-Hauk Want to know more? Follow us here or on Twitter for regular updates on this project- or click here to join our discord!

[limabeanz99]

STORY TIME!! meeks being so in love with you at christmas and all the poets especially your bestie charlie, are trying to help find the perfect gift for you:

(fyi y/n/n = your nick name)

“I’m stressing out I just don’t know what to get her” Meeks says with a loud sigh. “Relax! You’re starting to sound like Knoxious over there”, Charlie says while pointing to Knox who is too focused on making a scrapbook for him and Chris. “He’s right Meeks, you know Y/n better than she knows herself! Just go with your gut and whatever you get her she’ll love”, Neil says with an extremely ensuring tone. Stephen leans farther back into the couch racking his brain for the perfect gift for Y/n with the stress of Christmas being right around the corner.

“CHARLIEEEEEEEEE”, you yell in a sing-song voice as you skip down the hall with a small brown store bag clutched tightly in your hand. “Y/NNNNNNNN”, Charlie screams back as he rushes out of his dorm room to greet you. You pull Charlie into your room and shut the door so no one can see the contents of the bag. “I finally finished my Christmas shopping. I found the perfect gift for Stephen” you say with a big smile. You hand the bag to Charlie and he pulls out a small box. Charlie opens the box and just stares when he finally says, “What the hell is this?” “Charlie it’s a antique pocket watch! Meeks has been talking about how he’s wanted one ever since he saw his fathers old pocket watch. He says he loves the mechanics and the style of them” Charlie just stared trying to figure out how Meeks could not see that you are madly in love with the red headed boy. Charlie finally smiled and said, “He’ll love it Y/n/n”. The rest of the evening you and Charlie spent wrapping gifts, although you ended up doing most of the wrapping since Charlie was busy battles his new archenemy, the tape dispenser”

After a conversation with you between classes about how you had found the perfect gift for him, Meeks was feeling the pressure. He had made all the poets sit and help come up with ideas for gifts. One evening, Neil and Todd took Stephen to their favorite antique shop that had tons of random things that have been collected by the owners for decades. While Todd and Neil were checking out some vintage cameras, Meeks was sat in a floral printed chair tucked in a corner sulking about his dilemma. The older couple who ran the store were fixing some displays when the older gentleman walked up to Stephen. “Son, you’re too young to be sad about life. You ought ta’ cheer up some”. Meeks sighed and explained how he couldn’t find the perfect gift for you for Christmas. By now the older man’s wife had joined them but Todd and Neil were still busy being a cute couple and making people jealous. “It sounds like your girls means the world to you”, the older man said. “Sir, you have no idea but she’s not my girl yet”Stephen replied. The older man chuckled, “trust me young man, I do have an idea. I’ve been married to Darla for 54 years and counting” he said grabbing the ladies hand as she smiled at him. “Before we were married I was love sick and was bending over backwards trying to make everything perfect for her”. “He didn’t know that I loved him no matter what”, added Darla. She motioned for Stephen to get up and follow her saying, “Come on young man let’s see if we can find a gift for your girl”. “Darla will give you the best advice son”, the man said as Darla showed Meeks around the store. As they were walking, Darla began to describe the best gift Stephen could give, “You’ll want to get her something she can see every day that will remind her of how you feel about her”. They walked by a cute table adorned with many different nick-nacks. There were a few items that looked like candle stick holders that had different pieces of jewelry set on top of them. Immediately Stephen took notice of a small, dainty gold ring with a rectangular ruby. It was small and quiet yet elegant and symmetrical. He closed his eyes and pictured putting it on Y/n’s finger. Darla noticed the look on Stephens face indicating that he had found the perfect gift.

They walked back to the front of the store where Todd and Neil were waiting. Darla and her husband rang up their items while Stephen was telling them about the ring. The entire ride back to Welton, Stephen just stared at the ring in the box. He found the perfect gift that described how he felt just like Darla said. It showed how Stephen felt when went ice skating on a pond and Y/n did tons of leaps and twirls then grabbed Stephens hand and pretend like they were dancing. Or how he felt when the poets had a snowball fight and afterwards Y/n clung to Meeksie for warmth as settled in for a movie and popcorn. He thought the ring would show Y/n just how much he loved her.

On the morning of Christmas, the poets got together to have their own Christmas in a study room before they left to be with their families. They all exchanged gifts, ate candy, and laughed as the told stories about each other. After a while, everyone went to prepare to leave expect for Y/n and Stephen. They stayed behind to exchange their gifts in private. Y/n gave Stephen his gift first and Meeks gushed over the pocket watch he received, appreciative of the fact that she actually listen to everything he told her. Meeks handed Y/n the box and when she opened it her eyes widened. She quickly closed it and shoved it back into his hands. Stephens heart stopped. “…do you not like it?” he asked quietly. “Meeksie… I mean- it’s beautiful but I can’t take this. It’s too much”, she said looking into his eyes. At that moment Meeks knew his feeling for the girl across from him were mutual and he pulled the ring from the box and slipped it in his finger just like he imagined. “Like you said it’s beautiful. Exactly like you”. Then he leaned in and just before his lips met yours he stopped. His right hand then slowly made its way to your hair tucking a piece behind your ear even slower. Next, in one quick motion, he ran his fingers deeper into your hair pulling you to meet him and he finally kissed you. It was slow and long but hard and filled with passion. He pulled away with a big smile as you tried to catch your breath. Then he rested his forehead against yours, his glasses were slightly fogged from your shared breaths. He gave you a few more pecks on your lips then one on your forehead before he turned you around and pulled your back agains his chest, wrapping his arms tightly around you and laying his head on top of yours. You two just sat there and watched the fire roar in the fireplace while the snow fell outside. Meeks then leaned down to your right ear and said“my girl” before giving a kiss to the side of your head. THE END!!

[shaadidukaanwedding]

Beautiful Mehndi Designs: The Art of Tradition and Creativity

Mehndi, also known as henna, is more than just an adornment. It's a celebration of tradition, art, and personal expression. For centuries, beautiful mehndi designs have held cultural and emotional significance in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Whether it's a wedding, festival, or a casual celebration, mehndi has the magical ability to connect people to their roots while letting them express their individuality in the most artistic way.

In this blog, let’s dive deep into the captivating world of mehndi and explore the different styles, meanings, and emotions tied to these beautiful designs.

A Glimpse Into Mehndi’s Cultural Roots

Mehndi has been used since ancient times. Historical texts and art suggest that henna was used by the ancient Egyptians, including Cleopatra, as a form of body art. In India, mehndi has become an essential part of wedding rituals, where the bride’s hands and feet are adorned in intricate designs the day before her wedding.

What makes mehndi so beautiful is not just the visual appeal but the emotions and beliefs attached to it. In Indian culture, there’s a saying: the darker the bride’s mehndi stain, the deeper the love between her and her partner. In Middle Eastern traditions, floral patterns represent joy and beauty, while Moroccan mehndi designs often symbolize protection and spiritual power.

The Diversity of Mehndi Designs

The world of mehndi is vast, with countless styles that reflect different cultures, preferences, and moods. Here are some of the most popular and beautiful types of mehndi designs:

1. Traditional Indian Designs

These are elaborate, dense, and extremely detailed. Indian mehndi designs often include motifs such as peacocks, paisleys, flowers, mandalas, and intricate lace-like patterns. They usually cover most of the hands and feet, especially for brides. A hallmark of Indian bridal mehndi is the depiction of the bride and groom figures within the design, a romantic and personalized touch.

2. Arabic Designs

Arabic mehndi is known for its bold lines and flowing, less crowded patterns. The focus here is more on empty spaces and large floral motifs, often trailing in a diagonal flow across the hands or feet. They are perfect for those who want something elegant and eye-catching without it being too overwhelming.

3. Pakistani Designs

These combine elements of Indian and Arabic styles, resulting in a highly detailed and balanced design. Pakistani mehndi often includes traditional symbols like domes, mosques, and intricate floral arrangements, making them especially popular during Eid and weddings.

4. Moroccan Designs

Unlike the curves and florals of Indian and Arabic styles, Moroccan mehndi tends to be more geometric. It features lines, dots, triangles, and symmetrical shapes. These designs are unique and modern-looking while still carrying deep cultural roots.

5. Minimalist & Modern Designs

For those who prefer subtlety, minimalist mehndi is gaining popularity. Simple vines, tiny flowers, or single mandalas on the back of the hand or finger rings created with henna – these modern takes are both trendy and elegant, perfect for casual occasions or everyday style.

Why Mehndi Holds Emotional Value

Beyond its artistic beauty, mehndi is deeply emotional and symbolic. Applying mehndi is often a communal activity – mothers, sisters, and friends gather around, singing songs, sharing stories, and laughing together. The process is slow and intimate, which makes it more than just a cosmetic experience.

For brides, it’s often one of the most cherished moments leading up to the wedding. The mehndi ceremony itself is a celebration of love, family, and the start of a new journey. Some even hide the groom’s initials within the design, turning it into a fun post-wedding game!

Even outside weddings, mehndi is applied during festivals like Diwali, Eid, Karva Chauth, and Teej. It symbolizes prosperity, beauty, and spiritual awakening. For many, it’s a way to pause, reflect, and celebrate life's moments.

Creating Beautiful Mehndi: An Art and a Skill

Beautiful mehndi designs don’t just happen—they require a steady hand, an artistic eye, and a lot of patience. Henna artists often spend years perfecting their skills. The art lies not just in drawing clean lines but also in visualizing patterns that flow naturally across the hand or foot.

The choice of henna also matters. Natural, organic henna gives a deep, rich color and is safe on the skin. Synthetic cones may offer ease, but they often lack the depth and warmth of traditional henna. The aftercare – like avoiding water for several hours and applying lemon-sugar solution – is key to achieving that perfect dark stain.

Trends in Mehndi Designs Today

Just like fashion, mehndi trends evolve. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in fusion styles – mixing Indian and Arabic elements, or combining traditional motifs with contemporary themes like dreamcatchers, zodiac signs, or personalized messages.

Glitter mehndi and white henna have also made appearances on the fashion scene, especially for photoshoots or non-traditional events. While not permanent like real henna, they offer a playful, experimental edge to the traditional art.

Brides today also often opt for theme-based mehndi – such as travel maps if the couple met abroad, or city skylines if they share a common hometown. These custom stories etched in henna are deeply personal and add a whole new level of meaning to the designs.

Conclusion :

Beautiful mehndi designs are more than just temporary body art – they’re a bridge between culture and creativity, tradition and trend. Whether you love the elaborate designs that take hours to perfect or prefer minimalist elegance, mehndi allows you to carry a story, a moment, or a memory on your skin.

In a world that’s always rushing, taking the time to sit, apply, and admire mehndi is like honoring stillness, heritage, and beauty all at once. So next time you find yourself reaching for a henna cone, remember: you’re not just decorating your hand – you’re becoming part of an ancient, living, breathing art.

[ginkgomoon]

I Like You A Latte- Gavin ☕️

Happy blog birthday to @cheri-cheri. Another gift would like to present itself to you! 💙

“The exam is officially over,” you sigh.

All those years of studying and recurring late nights pouring the blood, sweat and tears for you push towards the finish line were all worth it.

You are now free.

Kind of… but not really.

For once, you were outside not catching the train to go university, heading off into another library or exam room. You had thought to savour this rare time to yourself before heading off to find a job. Thankfully, public transport is convenient enough to take you just about anywhere in Loveland City.

With only your phone, wallet and keys in hand, you stroll along the all too familiar building blocks near your home, pondering on where to go for the long awaited first day out by yourself. Should you go for some udon? Bingsoo? Pudding, perhaps?

While breathing in the sweet air of freedom, you admire the city that you grew up in, absorbing the view from down below and up at the infrastructure that the city was so renowned for.

The height, distance and those buildings haven't changed. But you- the stages of your life, experiences and perspectives have. The city almost seemed a little bit more… brighter. More alive. Or maybe… would it be for just this once?

This, you fear.

The glare of the sun continues beating down, its light reflecting off the glass buildings passing its judgement on the entire city. The heat is suffocating and you long for a cool drink or nice air-con to rely on to keep you sane.

A vision suddenly intrudes, presenting the clean pastel coloured store-front of the café that had just opened up nearby. You remember that you had power-walked right past the “WE ARE OPEN” sign on your way home from a past exam to prepare for the final one a few days ago.

You know you rarely enter any cafés at all, but your love for coffee and urge to explore someplace new begin to steer your legs into the walking direction of where you had remembered it to be.

As you soon reach the entrance, the sign you saw from the peripheral of your memory greets you.

“BRUNCH CAFE. WE ARE OPEN.”

You push open the heavy glass door, instantly entering a world of relief. Still in between the two opposing temperatures, you hastily swing the door back and encase yourself in paradise.

You take a moment to briefly scan your surroundings. The café, although it claims to be open, has everything but the barista. It wasn’t as big as the Starbucks down at the shopping centres, but it was humble enough for its size and able to fit all the requirements a café needs.

Soft instrumental music starts to reel you in further, like a siren hypnotising a sailor. You feel... peaceful. Though you wonder if you were hearing the non-diegetic music of the film occurring right in front of your eyes instead of your almost-dream café.

The minimalist designs, the ambience, and the extremely posh and elegant windows that you didn’t admire enough the first time strikes your appeal. You also confirm with yourself that this was the café that you would choose to break the cycle of drinking instant coffees everyday.

Just this once.

On the left side, those posh windows were flaunting on display, and to the right had little cubicles laid out perfect for providing spacious privacy. You marvel at what a genius idea the store owner had to create such a comforting and unique interior for a café. There was not a thing out of place.

Except of course, the barista.

You head over to where the cubicles were waiting and as you turn into the corner, you almost trip over something that looks like… a foot?

Following the coffee-stained sport shoes, your eyes slowly drift up on its owner, locking on a sleeping figure on the seats of the cubicle.

A young man with a soft aura.

You squint in confusion.

The poor cubicle clearly wasn’t big enough to fit his entire body. His hair seems to have fallen into place like dominos having slightly covering his eyelids, and appears to be breathing in a gentle rhythm with his chest following in sync. Your eyes also end up emphasising his jawline as you continue to stare.

His chest- wait.

A little badge on the right corner of his shirt immediately becomes the salient object.

So, he is the barista.

Barista… Gabin?

You lean closer at the words printed out on it.

No, it’s Ga-vin.

Apart from how attractive he looks, you question yourself- why is the barista sleeping during opening hours?

The man’s eyes slowly crack open, like a shell opening to display the pearl from inside, and you finally see his eyes of beautiful amber squinting back at you. Though, you can’t tell if it was because of the bright lights inside the cafe, or if he was solely observing you- and why you were so close to him at this very moment.

“Oh, I am so sorry,” you cry, instantly retracting from your forward-leaning position. Your brain tries to racks up reasons why you two were in this situation incase he asks.

“There was something on your face” or “your foot was in the way” could work. No- “sorry, I’ve never seen another human being before” sounds a lot more believable.

Gavin, the barista, furrows his eyebrows in confusion then seemingly in frustration.

Your body tenses.

It’s coming.

“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep…” he sighs softly.

You do another quick scan and take that only the two of you were in the cafe now, unless there was another sleeping barista somewhere else you didn’t notice.

“If you're here for coffee, it’s on the house. An apology for what you saw just now…. Just don’t tell the boss if he’s here,” Gavin lightly coughs.

“Oh okay... Thank you. A latte please,” you say, rather not wanting to question it further. For now. But free coffee made by this gorgeous barista? How could anyone refuse this offer? All you did was stare. In that case, you would gladly do it again.

You settle your belongings on the table and catch Gavin rolling up his sleeves, putting on the display of his toned forearms. Luckily, your cubicle entrance was facing the direction of the workbench allowing yourself to watch him set up.

You start to wish for your coffee to be as hot as him.

Scalding hot.

Gavin steadily handles the jug and effortlessly pours the milk into the latte glass with the espresso already inside. Despite your sight of his expertise, he still can’t hide the subtle droopiness of his eyes and the slight furrow of his eyebrows again.

You figure it would be better if you come up to him instead so he wouldn’t have to travel the whole way to your cubicle with his current state being like this.

You gingerly make your way to his workbench while fumbling for a topic to break the awkward silence in your head.

“Is it just you working here today or…?” you ask.

“Is there another hot sleeping barista I should know about?” you continued in your head.

Gavin hands you the transparent cup accompanied by the saucer, a little spoon, a packet of sugar and a complimentary ginkgo-shaped cookie on the side.

The art displayed formed a symmetrical heart with perfect one centimetre foam to present the perfect latte.

“There’s the chef who’s actually the boss of this place but sometimes he dashes in and out. Especially when there’s no customers as of late. I have no idea where he goes, actually. Right now is no exception,” he replies, sweeping the remains of the coffee grounds into the knock box.

“And you do all the work for him? That doesn’t seem fair. Does he allow you to make your own cup of coffee at least?”

“Well, not exactly. I just work over-time till late. Plus, I think my body is practically immune to caffeine by now,” Gavin laughs.

"Me too," you comment.

As tired as he looks, he still has the energy to light up a smile, even with a stranger. His mouth forms an effortlessly handsome arc and you feel something emerging from within your heart, so subtle that you almost think that you could have mistaken yourself as the protagonist in a romance novel.

Though working overtime till late… at a brunch cafe?

You don’t question him any further. You take a whiff at the single delicate-looking plain ginkgo cookie and have a bite. This moment of peace and serenity was offering the much needed break from all that tension and pressure you were under- apart from Gavin being here, though he didn’t seem to mind your presence.

You lean forward to place your elbows on the counter and stare at the coffee in front, frowning a little at the reality of ruining the beautiful heart. You rip open the sugar and pour in half, then give it a stir with the spoon. The foam is perfectly silky and frothy, fusing with the crema like a starry galaxy.

You remind yourself that "it was okay" because this moment would forever remain in your own heart instead. Delicious, creamy arabica coffee.

Like those ginkgo leaves dancing in the wind that autumn day.

You smile at the memory before multiple begin to overlap with another. Ones where you had passed by the senior classrooms catching a glimpse of a boy staring out of the window or down in a random alleyway on your bicycle.

You didn’t think much of it back then either, but he had always looked familiar and seemed to be everywhere you were too. Crossing paths in hallways and even at the library, reading. That upperclassman boy named-

“-Gavin?”

He looks up.

“From school?”

You wonder why you hadn’t realised.

His facial features are now more defined, sharper, and still a head taller than you. Who would have thought the hot barista was actually an old schoolmate. You put your coffee down and internally scream.

“You remember me?” he softly asks.

“Just a little bit. Wait, do you know who I am?”

“Just a little bit.”

Gavin smiles.

You break eye contact and continue drinking, not wanting the coffee to get cold during this exchange. But even now it tastes different than before.

“So, what brings you here?” he asks.

“Taking a break before I find a job. See if any place will accept me…”

“Of course they will. You’re brilliant at what you do. I have no doubts that you will be successful.”

You smile in response, taking in the last of the remaining coffee.

“How do you know? We haven’t seen each other in so long. And I don’t think we’ve ever interacted this much in the past."

“I just do… Trust me.”

You look back up. His eyes light up with so much sincerity that could power a whole entire city’s electricity.

"I never thought I'd see you again," you say.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. You seemed like... you were just so difficult to figure out, especially for people like me who don't know you that well. So I never gave it a second thought either. And now here you are, making my coffee. Anyway, this is probably not making any sense..."

"No, I understand," Gavin states. "In your opinion... what kind of man am I?"

Before you could formulate a proper response, hot heat suddenly finds its way in, corroding with its cooler counterpart and signalling the entrance of another person.

Your eyes catch sight of a tall and handsome man, his aura so dominating that the heat you feel could just be from him instead.

“That’s the boss,” Gavin whispers.

The boss saunters his way in straight towards you two. His black hair matches his suit and tie, making him appear more like a CEO than of a chef.

“Don’t worry, I’m just going to the back to restock some things, I’ll be right back,” Gavin says, shooting you a comforting smile.

While trying to process all of this, your eyebrows are the ones to furrow now instead. How could this boss treat an employee like this? Working overtime without proper breaks? This to you was appalling and certainly see this as an act of injustice. Being the good and lawful citizen that you are, you decide to treat this like one.

“Excuse me.”

Before he enters the kitchen, he turns, offering his full attention to you. You thought you had a good grasp on what you wanted to say, but it seems that your head had disconnected from your voice box.

“Your employee…” you begin, “he seems very fatigued. I think you should be sharing the workload equally instead of leaving the cafe. Haven’t you ever heard of a collegial workplace before?”

His eyebrow lifts- in amusement, mockery or consideration, you don’t know. After all, your words carrying the “sense of justice” did sound a lot better in your head.

“I don’t interfere with anyone’s personal lives,” he said, his deep voice shattering your “prosecution”. But before you could have another go at him, he retreats into the kitchen.

Gavin returns with takeaway cups and lids and sees you standing flabbergasted at your interaction with the boss.

“You okay?”

You reply back with a little “humph” at the direction of the kitchen then turn to Gavin restocking the items on the cup warmer of the coffee machine.

"I-it’s nothing."

After all, this was your first and last time here, and maybe you shouldn't have acted so impulsively on a situation like this. Plus, how would Gavin react if you push the topic further?

You sigh. Hopefully the plan to have a drink and catch up with an old friend later in the night will settle the agitation you feel.

A soft ding is heard from your phone reminding you to get ready to leave.

Perfect timing.

As you reluctantly pack your things, you glance at Gavin’s way, who looks like he’s about to end his shift for the day as well.

You don’t want to be supporting a business owner who treats his employees like this, but yet seeing Gavin this way made you feel helpless. It’s a shame that you won’t see another handsome barista like this again. Or see him again. Or probably enter another cafe at all after this.

“I have to go.”

Your voice interrupts his workflow, and he frowns.

“Now?”

“I have somewhere to be, unfortunately.”

Gavin takes a moment to process this.

“Why don’t you wait till I leave? That way, I can see you off. It will only be a minute.”

More like a minute's time to sob about this man who could have been your boyfriend in a parallel universe. But as long as you won’t be late to meet up with your friend, you agree to wait for Gavin to finish up.

You linger by the entrance, not wanting to intrude his workspace again and steer clear from the awkwardness that could arise from watching him up close.

But after that literal minute, he steps outside with you and the heaviness in your heart starting to simmer back up again. The air already seems to have to cooled down, providing a thankful comfort to your surroundings.

Looking at him now, you almost change your mind. You could maybe see him again when you have time in the future. To... catch up.

Just maybe.

“Thank you for today," you say. You remind yourself to not get too attached, having really not know if you would be ready for all of that, especially for what was to come in the future.

You slowly walk backwards into the direction of your home, back where you need to get ready for the night out again.

“Thanks for coming. It was nice meeting you again,” he replies.

As you turn to leave, in your peripheral vision Gavin tracks forward to cover every step you took away from him, pulling a hesitant arm up to say something more.

But by then, you were already turning the corner and out of sight.

-And after all this time, your thoughts keep returning to those moments.

A couple of hours pass and your mind still orbits Gavin and that café. You wonder if there was something more you could have done or said. Hopefully he didn’t mistake your hurried steps for something else.

You soon arrive at the venue that you and your friend unanimously agreed on, though as you tippy-toe your way through the crowd to spot her, it seems that she hasn't arrived at the agreed time yet.

As you wait, you fiddle with the side of your dress. You decided to go with the classy minimalist look- a black dress and simple ginkgo drop earrings you bought recently. You didn't want to draw any attention to yourself, but you were satisfied that you were well-dressed enough to feel glamorous for the night. However, wanting to avoid the additional heat of the weather sticking on your body like a tattoo, you decide to head in first.

The music gradually becomes clearer and definitely louder as you weave your way through the hallway entrance towards the heart of the club, with the lights dimly lit and its walls enclosed for the darkness to rule.

You haven’t been in a place like this for so long, especially when you got used to the quiet and calm environment of libraries, the home, and the café earlier…

You could feel everyone’s body heat from a good healthy distance away, even at the seat of the bar. You don’t plan on getting drunk tonight, but you know your alcohol tolerance is so low that you figure it would be best if you should order a little fruity mocktail first instead then perhaps have a real drink with your friend when she arrives later.

You give a quick text notifying her of your location and place your phone back into your purse, ready to order.

Darkness continues to stir as you struggle to locate the bartender.

What kind of bartender is this person if they’re not at the bar?

Lights rotate and blind its way in every direction. For a fleeting second, it lands on the person across from you, illuminating those unforgettable eyes and smile of its owner.

His eyes are just as wide as yours.

"It's you."

The barista- no, bartender, was Gavin.

[ribbonetteart]

I redesigned Rouge!

A LOT of notes about her redesign below:

Again, much like the Cream redesign, I’d like to start with the disclaimer that I don’t hate Rouge’s current design! I think her current look is cute but I did take some issue with it here and there, and here was the checklist I had in mind when redesigning her:

Put some red on her! Her name is ROUGE

Ditch the jumpsuit. I get the impression that the “sexier” aspects of Rouge make her appear older than she is, so I wanted to try making her look more like she’s 18.

Wing arms!!! There’s nothing wrong with putting the wings on her back but I wanted to emphasize her being a bat.

Give her a new alt outfit. In Sonic Heroes, Rouge got a new outfit that was quickly retired. I wanted to give her a debut outfit and a new outfit that would stick around.

Switch out the heart motif for a diamond motif. I think the heart motif is cute! But I think making diamonds Rouge’s thing is more fitting since she loves jewels more than anything.

Rouge’s Body

The 1st reference sheet is Rouge’s bare body. She’s still got white fur, but her body is gray. I actually came to the decision to give her gray body fur last-minute; I wanted to give her a white belt in her 2nd outfit, but her white midriff made the 2 things blend and I needed some contrast. I drew (ba-dum-tssh) lots of inspiration from Honduran white bats, and thus I gave her a little bat nose and smoky colored wings (I actually wanted a more gray-ish purple wing color, but my scanner gave me this gray instead. the gray-purple is more noticeable in the other reference sheet though).

I gave her a furry body because I thought it was weird that other Sonic character’s bodies had fur and Rouge was just all skin, save for her head. She has chest fur now because I thought it made her look more like a bat and because I’m not that comfortable with an 18 year old baring visible cleavage all the time, so this hit 2 birds with one stone. I kept her arms and legs furless, again, to make her look more like a Honduran white bat. I also wanted some more body diversity within the sonic cast, so I gave Rouge a plumper body and wider legs since she usually uses her legs in combat.

I wanted to keep her skin tone similar to the one she has in Sonic Adventure 2, but I ditched the eye color. I really wanted to put some red on her somewhere since her name is Rouge, and making it her eye color means that she has red on her all the time, so I thought it was perfect. On one final note regarding her body, she’s got visible nails now! Her old, beta name before it was “Rouge” was “Nails”, and I imagine she uses her nails for digging or combat so I made them more prominent.

Rouge’s Clothes

“That Government Spy Rouge the Bat”: SA2 G.U.N. Agent Rouge

Her 1st outfit would be her outfit in her debut appearance while she’s an agent for G.U.N. I still wanted her outfit to look trendy without looking too much like a uniform as she is supposed to be an undercover agent in SA2. The decision to use a blue analogous palette was to make it look even more like a police uniform.

Her gloves are short, half gloves. With arms on her wings, obviously her opera gloves weren’t gonna fit comfortably. The cropped gloves fit more comfortably on her hands without bothering her wings.

Rouge’s uniform is a sleeveless turtleneck and a “skort”, or, shorts with a skirt on it. The skirt flap has a pocket where she stores anything that won’t fit on her utility belt.

She’s also got piercings now! I think they suit her for someone who’s obsessed with jewels.

Her boots aren’t flashy, but they’re a chunky heel with metal soles to pack a harder wallop in her kicks.

Fly in the Freedom: Post SA2 Rouge

With this design comes with a bit of a rewrite. Rouge no longer works under G.U.N., free-lancing or not. After the events of SA2, she’s quit and gone on to do her own thing (however she’s still a grade A thief).

Overall, her new post SA2 look is rather asymmetrical compared to her more uniform look in the 1st design. I thought the asymmetry would convey her new rebellious, independent status and contrast more with the uniform she sported prior to when she took order from G.U.N.

I wanted this design to look more cohesive with team dark. Her Sonic Heroes outfit made her stick out from the other team members as she had a more purple and pink color palette compared to Shadow and Omega’s red, black, and gold. For her palette, I wanted to incorporate more of those colors to really make her look like the leader of Team Dark. The reds are mostly located on her diamond motifs, and the gold on her is on any metal she’s adorning.

Her outfit includes a cropped leather jacket, dark purple-ish black form fitting pants, white knee high boots, and white leather utility belt and cropped fingerless gloves. Since she no longer has a skirt flap or pocket to store extra items, I gave a her a little fanny pack at the back of her belt. I gave her a cropped jacket to make her look a little more rebellious, seeing as her teammates are rebels of their own. The leader of an edgy team has gotta look edgy herself, I figured! The dark make up is also to help with her new, bold and edgy look.I also wanted to show off Rouge’s chest fur and the deep V neck of the jacket does that well!

I thought Rouge’s heart boots were cute, but since I’m replacing her heart motif with diamonds, I wanted to adjust it to fit the diamond motif. She’s now got diamonds at the toe of her boots as well as the sole. I made them wedge heels because I imagine they’re easier to run in.

Inventory

On her utility belt, she’s got a flip phone: good for quick contact and disposal. She also has a few pouches, probably to hold smoke bombs or something. I also wanted her to keep her treasure scope from SA2, so it’s also got a place on her belt.

Other inventory items include her compact, perfect for touching up her make up or finding pesky lasers (which is a spy trope I think? It’s probably not scientifically sound but whatever it helps her find lasers).

And of course, Rouge’s bat bomb! It functions much the same as Rouge’s bombs have throughout the series (Sonic Battle, Sonic 06, Sonic Forces: Speed Battle), I just adjusted its appearance to reflect this redesign.

I also decided while I was at it to take the guns away from Shadow and give them to Rouge; I don’t see why the ultimate life form needs a fire arm when he can shoot powerful concentrated beams of energy from his hands while the secret agent (who is more likely to be equipped with that kind of weapon) would be without it. She has her pea shooter on her leg holster concealed by her boots (Which is why I tried making her boots a bit bigger than her legs as opposed to being tight fitting).

Hair

Finally, Rouge has got some new hairstyles! For her SA2 look, I wanted to keep the trademark Yuji Uekawa spiky hair he tends to draw on his sonic characters, but I definitely wanted to change her hairstyle; I just personally wasn’t a fan of her current style. I wanted something that looked mature and chic, so I gave her a layered bob. It’s also symmetrical to fit the uniform look she’s wearing.

And Rouge gets another haircut for her post SA2 look! It’s much wavier, and she’s got bangs now. For this style, I was inspired by 1. the Finger Waves hairstyle, 2. those little curlicues that agent Honeydew has from Dexter’s Laboratory, and 3. Marilyn Monroe’s curly hair. I wanted to add some elegance to Rouge’s look and I think the curly hair really brings that aspect of her character out.

If you’ve made it to the end of all of this then like holy crap thank you so much for reading all of this and I love you

[667-darkavenue]

shadow image

inspired by a couple of the headcanons from this post by @crowleyandaziraphaleruinedme

-

Agra, 1659. Locked in a tower, a fallen king gazes through the bars of his exquisite prison. No other captive would have the luxury of being held at the top of a marble palace, surrounded by a sprawling view of the capital city. Sometimes, he is allowed to sit on the veranda for fresh air. His daughter comes to see him most days, which helps with the loneliness. Most evenings, the family tutor is allowed to visit. He brings Shah Jahan new books to read. They discuss the Quran and pray together.

The fallen king always liked Aziraphale. He’d been there before the death of the queen and he’d stuck with Shah Jahan after, always reassuring. Even when the world doubted his sanity for dedicating his life to what seemed like a wasteful pipe dream that would come at a colossal price, Aziraphale understood and encouraged. Perhaps, a little too much.

“A clear view of her tomb from my prison, all day and all night.” Shah Jahan frowns at the Taj Mahal gleaming beneath the moonlight. “As far as torture goes, at least the pain is sweet.”

Aziraphale finishes slipping the last of the books he brought through a gap in the bars. “I’ve invited someone to come see it, actually. I’m afraid that’s why I cannot stay tonight.”

The fallen king is unperturbed. “Tell your friend about the lost dream.”

Reluctantly, Aziraphale nods. “Not a friend, but I’ll do that.”

At the correction, Shah Jahan gives a wistful smile, which means he has now misinterpreted what Aziraphale meant even more deeply than at first.

He waits on the edge of the bazaar that night, expecting that he will be the one spotted first. Aziraphale’s appearance doesn’t change much over time, but he is never sure what to look for when it comes to a certain demon.

“Hey, a guard just told me it’s closed at night,” a familiar voice complains at Aziraphale’s side.

He did predict that Crowley would be draped in black, but the veil is a surprise. It’s of the same material as the dark, diaphanous sari Crowley wears across a full sleeved, black velvet top.

“Well, hello. It’s alright, they know I’m working with the royal family.”

“Oh, you’re fancy.”

On their stroll to the great gate, Aziraphale fills Crowley in on the past decade’s local gossip. The king and queen’s epic love, most unusual for a political marriage.

“That’s what brought you here, is it?”

“Oh, no. It took me quite by surprise. It is the reason I stayed, I admit. There’s something remarkable here.”

“There was. And now we’re standing at the gates to her tomb.” Crowley tilts his head back to get a good look at the great gate, a massive red monument that blocks the view of the Taj Mahal behind it.

An inscription in the marble catches his eye.

“O soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you,” he reads aloud, then turns to Aziraphale with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. “You sure I’m allowed in here, then?”

“It’s somewhat an artistic statement. This gate is supposed to represent a transition from the material world,” Aziraphale vaguely waves a hand in the direction of the bazaar outside, “to the afterlife.”

There’s an interesting little optical illusion that he pauses to point out to Crowley. The first view of the resplendent Taj Mahal is framed by elegant arch of the main gate. Standing in the shadows of the gate, the moon-white monument looks like a picture perfectly framed in black.  As they step closer, the Taj seems to grow smaller. Even Crowley, who isn’t typically fazed by tricks, finds himself walking back to the entrance to do a double take. It seems to grow bigger as he walks backwards, away from the Taj.

“How are you doing this?”

“It isn’t me!” Aziraphale gleefully insists. “I pitched in some ideas—call it divine inspiration—but they’re so brilliant here, they figured out how to make it real all on their own.”

Crowley walks through the gate again, taking the illusion in once more. “It is a little brilliant, I’ll give ‘em that. Like a human miracle.”

“And you’re only at the entrance. Just wait.” Aziraphale barely restrains himself from skipping as he leads the way through the lush garden beyond the gate.

He chatters on about how the garden is a representation of Jannah and the water channels along the two paths symbolise the four rivers that flow through it.

“Doesn’t look anything like it, but I suppose it’s a rough interpretation.”

“It’s a symbol, Crowley.”

“I’m not hating. I like this better, even.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

More up close to the Taj now, Aziraphale can see Crowley becoming spellbound. Beneath the veil, his eyes drink up the synthesis of grace and scale as if it could quench his soul. It is a masterpiece of a kind this world hasn’t seen before. Aziraphale shows him the splendid interior, all the way into the inner sanctum that holds the queen’s final resting place. He explains how everything from the foundation to the dome is a feat of engineering. He shares the other illusions he knows the building holds and finds that this magic on a monumental scope is actually quite fascinating to Crowley.

Then, the pair row a boat to the moonlight garden across the river, designed for a perfect view of the full structure. The full moon shines above, the breeze is balmy all around, and the water laps quietly at the riverbank beneath the garden. The Taj Mahal looms directly across from them, a tangible love song that invites anyone in the world to physically walk through its verses.

“I like this,” Crowley admits. “Hamlet exceeded expectations, too.”

“Oh, you liked it?” Aziraphale attempts to sound pleasantly surprised, but it comes off as pleasantly smug.

“Yeah, yeah. So, what did you need here? Consider me sold” He turns his attention to Aziraphale, ready to talk business.

They normally get that out of the way before the fun stuff, but Crowley has no complaints about the change of pace.

Aziraphale’s mouth flaps silently a couple of times before his tongue starts fumbling a response. “Er—I—Well, it’s… Nothing.”

“Oh, spit it out.”

“I don’t need a favor.”

“Sure, you don’t. You told me to come all this way for what? Just to hang out?”

“What’s that tone for?” Offended, Aziraphale splays a hand over his own chest. “We’ve ‘just hung out’ before.”

“Yeah, when we bump into each other.” Crowley throws his hands up only to let them fall back at his side, in an impatient gesture that clinks the silver bangles around his wrists. “I was on a different continent, Aziraphale.”

Aziraphale takes a deep inhale. Crowley waits for a sigh that never comes. He just holds it in.

“You miss me?” Crowley prods, eyes gleaming behind the veil.

He looks away. “I asked you to come here because I wanted to know if it was just me.”

“Just you what?”

“This place… The humans poured their hearts and souls into making an earthly representation of heaven. But the thing is—I never saw anything this sublime in heaven. Not even close.” He gazes up and down the radiant marble mausoleum on the opposite bank. “This isn’t made of the cosmos, or the divine. It’s only stone on stone. And it beats heaven.”

Such things, he could never say aloud to the devout king that he prays with. He could never admit to his own kind. He has nothing to lose from sharing it with Crowley.

“It isn’t just you,” Crowley concedes with ease. “They didn’t snap their fingers and miracle it into existence. And still, they made a wonder. That’s pretty amazing. How many people worked on this, and for how long?”

“Too many for too long,” Aziraphale mumbles, casting his eyes down. “Shah Jahan became obsessed. He practically ran the empire into the ground to build it.”

“Classic aftermath of hubris.”

“I think I caused it. I pushed it too far, Crowley.” Aziraphale chews his lip, face wracked with guilt.

Helplessly confessing mistakes to this demon has somehow become a troubling habit. It would be easier to break if Crowley didn’t choose these moments to suddenly become a patient listener.

“I was so set on this idea of this… of an ageless message of pure love, unaffected by time or war—or by the rise and fall of empires. I… I kept suggesting more. It spiralled out of hand and so many people suffered for the emperor’s devotion.”

“But, Aziraphale, I saw you in there. You love it. You’re brimming with delight in there.”

“I can’t help it,” his voice comes dangerously close to being described as a whine, “Ever since its completion, it has this—this effect. I’ve never felt anything like it. It’s so enveloping, so enormous, that I can feel it from here. I can feel it in the streets. Even in the farthest corners of the city, I’m unsuspectingly pricked by traces of it.”

“What is ‘it?’”

“Oh. It’s love.”

Crowley furrows his brow, not sensing any of what’s obvious to the angel. “The old emperor’s love?”

“No, everyone’s love. The people who come here each day and see this, they leave with the notion of love in their hearts. So much of it that it pours a trail wherever they go. And it is so concentrated, right here.”

“Job well done for you, then. Jot that on your report and they’ll eat it up.”

“Of course, they will. I just—The dark side is still there, even if I don’t tell anyone.”

“You told me. Blame it on me, over here trying to spoil a good thing.”

“Shah Jahan has the best intentions. I mean, he was named king of the world and he wants his legacy to be his great love. All this, and he never even had the chance to complete his life’s work,” Aziraphale laments. “He was deposed and imprisoned by his own family, to save the empire from the extravagance of his grief.”

“He never—You mean this isn’t done?” Crowley blinks incredulously across the river, unable to fathom what could possibly be missing from the Taj.

Aziraphale shake’s his head. “Everything in its design is symmetrical. This garden, where we’re standing… This is where he planned to build another identical mausoleum, hewn from black marble, where he would be entombed directly across from his love. The black Taj would be a mirror image of the white Taj, down to the very last speck.”

“Ah.” Crowley gives a curt nod the moment the understanding hits. “If he brought the empire to the edge of ruin to finish the white one, I see how that idea could be the last straw for his family.”

Aziraphale nods back solemnly. “They aren’t wrong. Now, I wonder where he would be if I’d never suggested it.”

“I still think it was a good idea,” Crowley says with a shrug.

For a wordless minute, they gaze at the flawless, glowing Taj on the opposite bank. Alone.

Crowley’s the one to break the silence. “I could make a Black Taj.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Aziraphale clicks his tongue. “That’s an enormous miracle. You couldn’t explain yourself when they question what it’s for.”

“Nah, it’s not.” Crowley brings his hand up to his forehead, then slowly down.

It looks as though he is beginning to do the sign of the cross, except that his hand never moves to either side. It continues down in a straight line.

“What are you doing?” Aziraphale looks over his shoulder, fearfully expecting to see a black monument rising.

“Other way, angel.”

Aziraphale’s face whips around to the white Taj, thankfully unchanged across the river. The full moon above it is sinking low, real low, and impossibly fast. Crowley pulls the moon down across the sky until it dips behind the Taj Mahal, framing the immaculate marble in its glow.

“Do you see it?” he asks.

At first, Aziraphale doesn’t see anything at all. Not until he looks at Crowley’s face and sees that his golden eyes are pointed downwards. Aziraphale follows his line of sight to the river running beneath them. He sees the Taj Mahal’s reflection in the wine-dark waters of the Yamuna, and his lips part in awe. The halo of moonlight around it creates a wavy shadow image of a black Taj Mahal.

Aziraphale turns his gaze to the fort in the distance, where he knows the fallen king spends his nights gazing at the Taj from his tower, and hopes that he is witnessing this miracle. 

“It’s even better than we could’ve imagined,” he tells Crowley. “It’s magical.”

Crowley hums, making an effort not to look too pleased with Aziraphale’s delight. “I don’t move celestial bodies for anyone, you know.”