Picture Sophie Choudry running out of her home singing Megha Re Megha (from Lamhe) in the first shower of the monsoons. Well, this is not a scene from a film, but something Sophie actually did seven years ago when she first landed in Mumbai from London. Even today, her reaction is no different. Sophie loves the rains and talks about how she best prepares for them:


Who: Sophie Choudry in her Gucci jelly shoesu00a0
What: Talking about the rains
Where At her Khar home

Monsoon magic
Can you really prepare yourself for the Mumbai rains? They start and stop so unexpectedly. I just love the monsoons and enjoy the season to the fullest. There's something so romantic about it; it's the time to cuddle, watch films, and listen to great music with hot pakodas and chai for company. I've grown up in a country where it rains almost every single day. When in London, you'll always find me roaming with a small umbrella in my bag. The days there become gloomy, but it's not so out here. When it rains in Mumbai, everything around you is so green and vibrant.

Short and simple
So for me, it's time to put into storage all my long maxi dresses and satin shoes, and bring out the pretty loose, knee-length dresses and white saris. Three-fourth cargo pants are ideal. But my favourite outfit this season is playsuits. They look fab and are extremely comfortable. And I make sure I don't ever wear greys or khakis as the colours can bring down your mood. It becomes cold when it rains abroad, but it is always warm and humid here, so I stick to loose comfortable clothes with minimal make-up like kajal, blush and a lip gloss. You wouldn't want to be found with the foundation dribbling down your face, right? So stick to less.

Hue's the secret
I do have a trench coat, but I don't wear it in Mumbai. Layering clothes in the monsoon here is a big no-no. A cute umbrella in a happy colour is what you'll find with me always. I'm so over the phase of wearing Wellington boots that there's no way I'm going to buy another pair again, even if my mom's trying hard to convince me to buy one. I recently bought these purple jelly shoes from Gucci, which are just perfect for this season. I'd say jelly shoes and chappals in a funky colour are a must to lift your mood and appearance. Also, this is the best season to bring out your hair accessories. A funky hairband looks great on loose wavy hair. But if you want to protect it from the wind, scrunch it up and you are ready to go!