You love anything with double benefits — you use your giant tote bag as a shield in a crowded train, your cocoa butter lip balm soothes ragged cuticles, even your faithful dog works as a cute-guy magnet.

So with crimes again women on the rise, treat yourself this Women’s Day to a workout that could come in handy. Learn self defence and stay in shape at the same time with Krav Maga.

Unlike karate’s long training period or many kickboxing classes’ focus on fitness over reflexes, Krav Maga, and its newer version Commando Krav Maga, quickly teaches you to defend yourself. The 40-year-old traditional martial art was originally taught to the infantry forces of the Israeli army, and now skilled instructors teach it all over Mumbai.

Learn to lock an assailant in a death vice grip, and more important, how to get out of one yourself. Home in on an attacker’s vital points, and give yourself enough time to run to safety.

Offbeat workouts are the trend — as if you needed a third incentive.

Amar Sukhi — India’s only certified instructor in both traditional and commando Krav Maga teaches thrice a week for two hours in Khar. Telephone: 9820142410 or 26049719. Price: Rs. 1,200 per month.
Sanjay Shetty — personal coaching. Telephone: 9821118199. Price: Rs. 6,000 per month, 8 sessions (twice a week).
Sadashiv Mogaveera — teaches in Thane. Telephone: 9892121542. Price: Rs. 1,200 a month.
Cyril Augustine — teaches in Bandra and Lokhandwala thrice a week. Telephone: 9224580916. Price: Rs. 1,000 for a one-time membership.

Feel like lining up somewhere tonight? The Ivy, part tub-thumping club, part Continental cuisine haven, offers up, at 47 feet (yes, count ‘em), the longest bar in town. And superbly blended martinis and mojitos.

You’ll love the futuristic white furniture and fixtures. You might even like the red chandeliers. Either way, you’ll dig the way the drinks and food areas have been cleverly fused together, as is the trend in Europe. Pair your poison with spring veggie bruschettas, porcini mushroom tartlets and a broth bursting with plump prawns.

It may be no relation to the iconic restaurant by the same name in London’s West End, but Ivy makes similar magic with simple ingredients. The shaved asparagus salad with orange and pecorino contrasts textures and flavours fabulously, the salty cheese balancing the tangy fruit perfectly.

Our Trendy Taster recommends the herb crusted NZL lamb-chops and grilled jumbo prawns with citrus marinade with a stunning reduction of marmalade and white wine. And don’t miss the bitter-sweet chocolate tart with mascarpone cheese.

The Hendrix-lookalike deejay rules, post 11 pm. Down your drink, and let loose.

Ivy, Lotus Towers (g.f.), New Friends Colony, New Delhi. Telephone: 41627744/55.
Average meal for two: Rs. 2,000 without alcohol.

Once upon a time there lived some princesses. We’ll pretend that was us.

We needed some heavy duty rescuing from, well, boring design. Imported furniture lines were threatening to gobble us whole with their factory line army of powder dried coating and stainless steel finished armoires. And just when we were about to sign a cheque for yet another console cabinet with tons of storage, but zero soul, in rode Marcel Wanders from the Netherlands with Moooi.

“I prefer to design for women — they’re much more fun than men,” he told Trendy, grinning impishly. He promised a knight in shining armour rescue with crochet tables (cotton and epoxy), smoke blasted chairs and sofas — Italian in design (long, sleek and simple) but oh-so-French in print (toile and Jacquard upholstered).

We kicked up a storm in our Manolos, and rushed to the third floor of Pallate, that launched his line last weekend. We gorged on smoked chandeliers (wooden light fixtures finished with fire), though we’re still praying Wanders’ famous knotted chairs (reportedly Beyonce has a pair) will come to Mumbai soon.

Who needs Mr. Right when you can be rescued by Moooi?

Pallate Design Studio, 34 Clerk Rd. off Racecourse, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400034. Telephone: 24983575.
Prices range from Rs. 15,000-5,00,000.

You won’t stumble upon the Eloor lending library by accident, tucked away in a dusty bylane behind the South Extension market. But the tiny door leads to a veritable Aladdin’s cave of reading riches.

Library, did we say? This feels like a classy bookstore, down to an antique-style glass cabinet to hold your tote. But what sort of library refuses to give you a membership card? The sort that catches you on webcam and your signature via electronic stylus. And that humongous monitor dangling from the ceiling? That’s the catalogue, silly.

Every bookish thrill in mint condition. New additions, bestsellers, classics, sci-fi and fantasy, romances and chick-lit, children’s books, comics (Sandman, Herge, every last Asterix), travel guides, art, and recipes (Nigella or Madhur or Jamie?) The total was 17,000 last Trendy was here, and they’re aiming for 70,000.

Choose well — they’re yours for a fortnight. Don’t damage them, or you’ll pay to keep ‘em.

Eloor Lending Library, D-31South Extension — Part I, New Delhi 110049. Telephone: 4134 9188/9199/9099/9098.
No membership fee. Refundable deposit of Rs. 1,000 entitles you to choose books worth Rs. 1,500 and pay a 10% reading fee on its price tag. Online catalogue and home delivery coming soon.

You liked “Joey,” but he just wasn’t the same without the rest of the “Friends” gang. Most spin-offs don’t live up to the original.

Couture King Tarun Tahiliani proves the adage wrong. His pret line, tt, launched over the weekend with hip, classy garments in light, airy fabrics that are perfect for workdays or casual evenings out.

Oversized is the trend for spring — so try Tahiliani’s full-length harem pants in black, cream or brown jersey, paired with bright or pastel-coloured stretch camis in georgettes with lace eyelet. Our Trendy Shopaholic loved the sleeveless shirtdresses in cool pastel blues and greens. Wear them with wedges and a chunky bracelet in hammered metal.

The tt line also has well-fitting, comfortable shirts, pants, kurtas, tunics, capris and slips in cottons, georgettes, jerseys and linen. Get them as sets, or as separates to mix and match for the occasion. And your mood.

Tahiliani is only doing what international design greats like Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein have done before. He rules the ramps, and the chi chi set. Now for some street cred.

tt. In Delhi: Ensemble, Santushti Complex, Race Course Road. Telephone: 011 2688 2207. Also at Sansaara.
In Mumbai: Ensemble, White Hall, Ground Floor, West Wing, 143, August Kranti Marg, Kemps Corner. Telephone: 23672416/18. Also at Fuel.
Prices range from Rs. 1,100-5,500.

Geek chic, check. Gypsy, check. Rockstar, check. You owned the fads as soon as they hit the ramp.

Sometimes, though, you just want to be yourself. Elegant. Exclusive. All woman. For those days, there’s Bulgari. The uber-luxe Italian brand is finally in town with its inimitable collection of jewellery, accessories and watches.

Are you a golden gal? Check out the B.zero 1 line: Yellow and white gold rings, necklaces and earrings, dotted with diamonds, finished with the distinctive spring logo. Slip on a single piece. Or wear them all. You’ll still be the smartest lady at the sit-down lunch.

Moon child? Wear the Lucea pearl-and-diamond necklace at the base of your throat. Look in the mirror to spot a star.

Natural-born stunner? Pick up the Astrale necklace, a white gold chain hung with diamond-studded concentric circles. Pair it with a glam gown and floor the party.

Elsewhere in the lightwood interiors of the spacious store are seven-fold ties for your man, perfumes, fine leather luggage, purses — and oh-so-Trendy pastel pink wallets.

Junk the junk. It’s time to get real.

The Bulgari Boutique, Lobby level, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Telephone: 22885052.
Prices begin at Rs. 12,000.

PS — Team Trendy sends out our best wishes to our very own Bridelicious Bride, who tied the knot last night. Congrats to the very happy couple!
You can read about how she planned her fab bash in our Bridelicious wedding planning series part 1, part 2, part 3 and the checklist.

Spring is around the corner, and we hear you groan:
1. Where am I going to hide these extra pounds?
2. It’s too cold for sweaters and my summer stuff is still in hibernation — what do I do?

For you, we have two words:
1. Cashmere
2. Silk

Surprised?

Pashma, the international cashmere brand selling in India for nine months, has introduced its latest collection of T-shirts and scarves in luxurious blends of silk cashmere, silk linen and cotton cashmere.

The T-shirts come in cool pastel colours, with floral and fantasy paisleys, block prints, silk-screen motifs, and appliqués. For an evening out, we liked the full sleeve silk cashmere with a splash of flowers in monochromatic indigo blue, embellished with chiffon appliqué and beads, and a matching scarf. Or pick up a wrap adorned with hand made lace, crochet or sequins, for those evenings in a super cranked A/C room.

The T’s are unexpectedly breathable and impossibly lightweight (a nifty way to fool those weighing scales), and provide surprising comfort in this tricky weather, where you can feel cold and hot, all at the same time.

Do we notice a spring in your step already?

Pashma@ Textile Emporium, M-4 Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001. Telephone: 41517999, 23416777.
Prices range from Rs. 3,200 to 9,000 for the T-shirts and scarves.

A rose by any of these names is the sweet cheek look for this spring. Our Trendy Tester brings you the latest bouquet of rose-coloured blushes in a mixture of petal pink and sheer peach.

Chanel Irreelle Blush in Tea Rose, Rs. 2,000
Petal Power: Freshens your face and softens fine lines. Glides on lightly.
Trendy Take: Our tester’s fave because it has great texture. Pink undertones make it perfect for fair skin. Wear it at a party or to hide tired skin the day after.
Delhi: Chanel boutique, The Imperial, 1 Janpath, New Delhi 11000. Telephone: 51116840. Mumbai: La Galleria, Landmark Building, Bandra (W), Mumbai. Telephone: 55033691.

Nina Ricci Cheek Wear Powder in Rose Lingerie, Rs. 1,750
Petal Power: Long-lasting, opaque texture, flawless finish.
Trendy Take: Light peach undertones are perfect for in-between skin tones. Great to wear at work.
Delhi: Shoppers Stop, Ansal Plaza, Khelgaon Marg, New Delhi 110049. Telephone: 26258866. Mumbai: Shoppers Stop, Dynamix Mall, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400049. Telephone: 26256271.

Shiseido Accentuating Powder Blush in Deepest Rose, Rs. 1,350
Petal Power: Soft-textured powder in a deep shimmery hue blends easily.
Trendy Take: Use contoured brush to sculpt cheekbones. Makes dark skin tones glow.
Delhi: Shoppers Stop, Ansal Plaza, Khelgaon Marg, New Delhi 110049. Telephone: 26258866. Mumbai: Shoppers Stop, Dynamix Mall, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400049. Telephone: 26256271.

Max Factor, Flawless Perfection Blush, in Classic Rose, Rs. 630
Petal Power: Long-lasting, subtle colour.
Trendy Take: Yellow tone hides blemishes and gives warm radiance. Works wonders for dusky babes on party nights.
Delhi: Kunchal’s, M-15 GK-I main market, New Delhi 110048. Telephone: 29281863. Mumbai: Parcos, White Hall Premises, Next to Hotel Sharlimar, Kemps Corner, Mumbai 400036. Telephone: 2364 3685.

L’Oreal Blush Delice in Strawberry Tart, Rs. 499
Petal Power: This sheer deep pink powder makes a great base. Includes vitamin C to nourish your skin.
Trendy Take: Heavenly scent, light shimmer, instant pick me up. Use sparingly.
Delhi: Shoppers Stop, Ansal Plaza, Khelgaon Marg, New Delhi 110049. Telephone: 26258866. Mumbai: Shoppers Stop, Dynamix Mall, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400049. Telephone: 26256271.

Trendy tip: Sweep blush from the centre of your cheeks up to the temple and till the base of your ears.

Some days you chose your frilly, lacy undies. Some days you’re all cotton and spandex. But then there are those times when you’d like to be a bit more risqué.

Skimpy brassieres in a floral motif of lace, satin models with Swarovski crystal studs along the straps, delicate sheer lace and lycra corsets you can wear as inner or outer wear — you can feel what it’s like to dress like Lady Marmalade at XESS, the London boutique’s first exclusive store in Bombay.

They carry the seductive Argentovivo and Christie’s labels, as well as their own brand (which you may have seen previously retailing at Ravissant).

Trendylicious loved their glamorous bridal range in blacks, whites and nudes. Go for diamante-studded bras and g-strings, lace thongs that tie up on the side, or satin negligées in floral prints.

In case this wasn’t enough to get you into the mood, the store’s baroque interiors surely will. With the purple and gold brocade on the walls and the dazzling golden furniture and racks, you’ll feel transported to an exotic boudoir.

A lingerie drawer says a lot about a woman. What does yours say about you?

XESS, Boutique 16, Atria Mall, Worli, Mumbai. Telephone: 022- 2481 3586/87.
Prices start at Rs. 3000.

Leave the tequila shots for the teenyboppers, the flavoured vodkas for the after-work girls’ night out, and raise a toast to what all the grown-up divas twirl in long-stemmed glasses — wine.

Brave the dusty hubbub beneath the Savitri flyover, go past the Maruti showroom on your left, and walk into Delhi’s first wine boutique, unescorted. Have an actual conversation with the staff and walk out with one of the 300-plus Chileans, Aussies, Argentines, Californians, or even a French, Italian or Indian vintage — sans stares and catcalls.

The diverse array of bottles lies in little cubbyholes, lapping the cork as they should (rather than stand around gathering light and dust while the cork crumbles and kills the wine).

Surprise, it’s a sarkari outlet, having swapped its dowdy image for swank chrome, glass and chip-free tiles.

Spacious, brightly lit, well-stocked, with over 150 international brands, even if not quite the heady crisp-cool experience of a Duty Free. But hey, you won’t have to fly for it.

Savitri Cinema Complex, Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi 110048. Telephone: 29214412, 29215365.
Prices: From Rs. 200 (for Indian wines) to Rs. 5,000.