Swayamvar nahi, Shaadi!!!

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Well, that’s what Rahul Mahajan claims.

Last season, Rakhi Sawant’s Swayamvar resulted in an engagement and eventually, a break-up. The reason being, her fiancé was an egocentric and too much of an angrez for the Bharatiya Nari Rakhi Sawant. Only time will tell what this swayamvar results in!!

Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega

Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega

This season, Rahul Mahajan is all set to choose and marry his ideal life partner. What’s surprising though is that despite his controversial past, there were enough participants for the show to start!

Last season, it was drama queen Rakhi Sawant who spiced things up but this season all the aspiring dulhaniyas are making the show interesting. All the bharatiya naris indulge in backbiting and occasional cat-fights with Priyadarshini topping the list, her post-elimination speech being the scariest.

Harpreet, Dimpy and Nikunj

Harpreet, Dimpy and Nikunj

Beautiful and sensible Harpreet, pretty and poised Nikunj and bubbly and cheerful Dimpy seem to have made good first impressions as each received a pyar ka nazrana from Rahul. Just few more days and we’ll know if first impressions were indeed lasting and if one of these three actually end up being Mrs. Rahul Mahajan.

RDLJ

RDLJ

What makes the show worth watching are the wonderful designer outfits of the dulhans. The best part is the ‘elimination round’(nightmare for the dulhans) when all the girls are dressed up in stunning outfits. Flared anarkalis in vibrant shades and exquisite fabrics, saris paired with corset style blouse, flared lehengas with trendy cholis, plain saris with shimmering borders, are few styles that the dulhans are seen wearing. Synthetic Banarsi with zari woven motifs along with georgettes and nets featuring sequins and beads in beautiful motifs make the outfits uber-glam.

While you may hate or criticize the show all you want, the outfits are worth few compliments for sure!!

21.02.2010 Indian Fashion, Indian tradition, Indian wedding, Wedding Leave a reply

Have you ever tried the shimmering American diamonds?

Thursday, January 14th, 2010
American Diamond Jewelry

American Diamond Jewelry

Today is Makar Sankranti and there is happiness all around. … people are flying kites, sharing sweets, greeting each other … what else, female populace are spreading their happiness by dressing up their best, as usual. And when it comes to getting decked up how can we forget all the jewelries that we have kept in store for the auspicious days … right?

These days talking about jewelry, American diamond jewelry is really in rage, thanks to the rising gold prices!  This trendy jewelry is available in various designs and preferences. There are many women who seem to be less inclined towards heavy jewelry and have a preference for refined designer jewelry. Under such circumstances, a pendant set consisting of shimmering American diamonds along with matching studded stones would be a great pick. American diamond jewelry in heavy, well handcrafted designs looks really fabulous when worn as a necklace. These jewelries are also available in floral designs which are highly recommended by jewelry designers. For a precious look, beautiful beads as suspensions are a great option. Also, white beads look the best as it adds to the richness and sophistication of your necklace. But see to it that you don’t miss out on matching earrings to get that overall completeness in your appearance. Such traditional jewelry is sure to bring a sense of wholesomeness to you.

I am already sizzling my New Year with some exquisite American diamond jewelry … What is your favorite pick this new year guys?

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14.01.2010 Indian Fashion, Indian accessories Leave a reply

Ethnic Mojaris are my new craze … What’s yours?

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

mojaris“Finally, I got my salary this month and now I can do some shopping for myself,” yes, this was the thought that struck my mind yesterday when the ATM machine trickled some crispy thousand rupee notes to my hands bringing that forgotten smile on my face … lolz! And there on started my shopping spree…

…. Firstly, as usual I caught hold of some really cool ethnic kurtis, which I wanted so much … and how can I miss some funky traditional jewelry to match my kurtis? So bought some colorful bangles, earrings, and ….. No necklaces, because I am not fond of it much! Also, did I tell you about the pair of ethnic shoe that I bought? No? Yes, I bought a pretty looking classic style mojari for myself … I must say it’s really awesome! Now to tell you the truth, I didn’t really had these mojaris in my mind but when I entered the shoe store the first thing that drew my attention was this extensive row of cute mojaris in different shapes, styles, and colors. Bright colors have always attracted me so how can I miss this?

I was really confused which one to buy because the store had an assortment of mojaris, viz, gol-panja kind (round toe), chota-panja mojaris (Small Toe), salem shahi  mojaris (Pointed Toe), and God knows what all! Mojaris with leather or textile embroideries embellished with brass nails, cowries’ shells, mirrors, bells, ceramic beads … were available. Now this is too much to select from … right? But I kept my cool and bought a really funky pink-colored mojari embellished with mirrors and bells on it …

… Today I wore my new shopping stuff to office … Trust me, nobody complimented about my kurti or earrings or bangles but my pinky mojaris … they say it’s really looking cool!

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12.01.2010 Indian Fashion, Indian accessories, New launches Leave a reply

Indian look cannot be complete without a Bindi … Agree?

Friday, January 8th, 2010
Aishwarya Rai in Devdas

Aishwarya Rai in Devdas

Today morning is really splendid for me … now you must be thinking what next, right? It’s my best friend’s marriage today. And after a very long time, I have dressed up in all that jazzy and sumptuous Indian costumes. Yes,  everyday I vent my hidden love for Indian fashion through my blog but now for a change I am actually trying out some of the stuff I have been talking about through my blog.

You know what I am wearing a dazzling maroon silk saree and some heavy gold jewelries …. Trust me; anybody would have looked just perfect in this Indian attire. It makes me feel so complete and feminine! But now guys one think I am confused about is the bindi that will go along with my outfit … can you help on this?

Oh! Here’s my friend who has come forward to help me. She says no Indian attire is complete without an appropriate bindi. Gosh, now bindi also has to be appropriate! But don’t you think she is right? Yes, she is! Wearing or applying a bindi doesn’t just include the fashion aspect. The red ‘kumkum’ (which was normally applied by women earlier) between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. Facts apart, with changing fashion, today women try out many shapes and designs. It is, at times a straight vertical line or an oval, a triangle or miniature artistry (’alpana’) made with a fine-tipped stick, dusted with gold and silver powder, studded with beads and crusted with glittering stones. The advent of the sticker-bindi made of felt with glue on one side, has not only added colors, shapes and sizes to the bindi but is an ingenious easy-to-use alternative to the powder. Today, if you see, bindi is more of a fashion statement than anything else, and the number of young populace sporting bindis is overwhelming even in the West.

Isn’t that great? Anyway let the trend be anything, I am going to wear those old traditional round bindis for my friend’s wedding; as the ones that Aishwarya wore in Devdas. Didn’t it give that perfect thakurayin look to Aishwarya? I just loved it … what about you?

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08.01.2010 Indian Fashion, Indian accessories Leave a reply

Are you crazy about earrings?

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

If you are a girl, love for earring, for that matter, any jewelry is obvious. I remember, when I was a kid, I used to wear my mum’s long earrings and boast around. Trust me; I was crazy about those funky, ethnic earrings that mum used to have with her – particularly the long ones. I love the way it softly tickles on our shoulder, the way it keeps moving when we talk, when we move our heads here and there … it’s really cute … Isn’t it?

earrings

Dazzling Peridot Earring

Dazzling Peridot Earring

Earlier, only conventional women used to wear long earrings. It was not really a craze among women who preferred modern look. There was also a period in between when women used to abhor wearing earrings saying they are so uncomfortable to carry. But today, be it a modern or a traditional woman, everyone is just mad about earrings. I remember, during my school days, it was considered taboo if you wear earrings with jeans or any western outfit. But today be in any attire, women don’t move back from boasting the exotic and ethnic earrings that they have. And obviously, we don’t forget to match it well with our attire … also we don’t forget to contrast it with our outfit … just to experiment, right?

Silver plated earrings

Nevertheless, as far as earrings are concerned, hoop earrings are always in style. They are classics, be it plain or studded with stones. Gemstone studs and drop earrings are simple and elegant, even though they are not exactly very popular but at the same time not out of fashion either. Long earrings, of course, are very popular. But not the ultra long string earrings, they are completely out now. Chandelier style is the current trend now. Rather than the oversized, big and bold types; it’s the medium sized, elegant and sleek chandelier earrings that are gaining popularity. It goes perfect with western and indo-western outfits such as long skirts, jeans and kurtis. When it comes to traditional Indian outfits, gorgeous jhumkas with beads and stones are the best bet.

Whoa! So much of variety … I am drooling now … yes I mean it! I am going to try some of them very soon … What about you?

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07.01.2010 Indian Fashion, Indian accessories Leave a reply

Do you remember Bathinda’s Bebo in Patiala in Jab We Met?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

I don’t know why Indians look up to the West for fashion. In India, if we look our heritage, our trends in fashion are multifold. Right from salwar kameez to skirts to sarees to kurtas; all have its origin in the past and are available in multi shades, shapes, and designs.

kareena

Patiala

Patiala3

Take, for instance, salwar kameez. This wear traces back its origin to the 16th century and is available in various shapes and designs, viz, churidar, patiala kameez, anarkali churidar, etc. As you all know, we have already discussed about anarkali churidar in my earlier post. So let me take this opportunity to talk about another style of salwar kameez, i.e., Patiala.

Patiala 6

Patiala 2

Patiala 1

Patiala Kameez derived its name from the name of the city of Punjab. According to historical records, the king of Patiala used to wear baggy, pleated pants with his kurta and the design looked so comfortable and beautiful that the women of the kingdom started copying it. Thus, this beautiful and comfortable wear derived. Loud colors like orange, yellow, green, and other colors of wilderness often gives a chic look in a Patiala Salwar Kameez. Party wear Patiala Salwar Kameez with a lot of embellishments in the Kameez and dupatta are in trend these days. The dupatta of this kameez is generally heavily loaded with kundan stones and other costly crystals.

This comfortable kameez was mostly worn by women in Punjab but now days, as I mentioned, people are so keen to follow new trends that this kameez also became style within no time. And why not when bollywood actress like Kareena Kapoor sizzles in movies wearing this comfortable wear. How can you forget the colorful Patiala that she wore in Jab We Met, in which has performed the role of a girl from Bathinda, Punjab?

Nevertheless, I am really planning to sizzle this New Year with this billowing loose pajamas and a stylish kurta with lot of embellishments to add grace to the party mood that is taking its round everywhere. What say guys?

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30.12.2009 Indian Fashion 1 Comment

Punjabi kudi in Kerala Kasavu … A Perfect Bride!

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

set saree.1

I am sure you must have spent sleepless night yesterday thinking about the Punjabi bride’s Kerala Kasavu Mundu look in her marriage … am I exaggerating? Lolz! Anyway, did you imagine our Kerala mundaa in sizzling black sherwani after reading my blog? Wasn’t he looking awesome in it? Yes, he was … bet I know better … why? Obviously I saw him in the sherwani suit. Trust me guys, I insisted the couple to share their photo on my blog but they were terribly adamant not to do it … personal moment and all that stuff.

Anyway, I won’t make you people wait too long and will share how the Punjabi kudi looked in the classic Mallu attire, i.e., Mundum Neriyathum. First of all, let me explain you what a Mundum neriyathum is.  It is the traditional clothing of women in Kerala and is the oldest remnant of the ancient form of the saree which covered only the lower part of the body. The mundum neryathum comprises two pieces of cloth. Earlier, the neriyathu used to be tucked inside the blouse but today with changing style and fashion, it is worn as we were a normal saree.

My friend also wore the Kasavu munda and neriayathu as per the contemporary trend, i.e., in saree style. She wore a cream-colored mundum neriyathum with broad zari border known as Kasavu. Also, in order to maintain the monotony, she wore a same-color blouse again with a thick zari border. The most attractive part of her neriyathu was the pallu which had peacock-shaped zari embroidery all over it. To add that classic Malayalee look, she wore a red round bindi, a cute and traditional maangtika, and a bunch of refreshing and sweet-smelling mogra on her hair. And obviously, gold … How can a Kerala wedding be complete without loads of gold! Nevertheless, she displayed just a perfect sensuous look!

Jokes apart, I must say, she did complete justice to her malayalee bride look … Don’t you think so?

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29.12.2009 Indian Fashion, Indian wedding Leave a reply

The saga of Kerala Mundaa in Punjabi Sherwani …

Monday, December 28th, 2009

sherwani1Yesterday I witnessed unity in diversity … How? I got this wonderful chance to attend a hybrid wedding … Malyalee groom and Punjabi bride. Now tell me, am I wrong in calling it unity in diversity? No, right? You know what captured my attention the most in the wedding? The perfect balance that was maintained between the two cultures. Yes, the wedding was minimal but with bits and pieces from both the cultures. The bhangara dancers, the traditional malaylee wedding style, the blend of Punjabi and Malyalee food, so on and so forth. The most captivating part was the way the bride and groom were dressed up. The groom was dressed in a Sherwani and the bride in the Kerala kasavu mundu. Now, isn’t that cute? Already embracing each others culture! To watch a guy from Kerala in Sherwani and a Punjabi girl in kasavu mundu was truly a treat.

Sherwani, which is considered as a regal attire for men, originates from the times of the Mughal Empire. Today it has transformed into an important fashion statement for men, especially for marriage. In the northern part of India, it is considered as the manliest dress that any man can wear. And why not? When it is well thought-out as the dress for Kings.

Coming back to my friend’s attire, he wore a silk sherwani in black color (again look at the perfect black and white combination they preferred) enriched on the cuffs, collars, and the front chest portion with paisley designs adding glamour and style, while still preserving the deep roots of the Indian tradition. The mojdi, kadaa, and the turban that he wore also gave the perfect frill required for boasting a Punjabi look.

Whoa! this reminds me of the cliché, Marriages are made in heaven! Yes, this marriage really gave me a true heavenly feeling and above all a proud feeling that I am an Indian! Would love to see more of such weddings in future!

Anyway guys, if you are as eager to know as I am to write more about the traditional Kerala kasavu mundu that the beautiful Punjabi bride wore then do stay tune with me ….

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28.12.2009 Indian Fashion Leave a reply

Main Kolhapur se aayi hoon!

Monday, December 28th, 2009

kolhapuri chappalThe other day, in a wedding I happened to meet my friend who is a professional fashion designer and somebody who is finicky about her look and fashion. Looking at her footwear, I was really surprised. I asked her why she is wearing a slipper kind footwear on a wedding eve. Looking at my not-so-happy and cynical face she said, “They are not any slippers darling… these are Kolhapuri Chappals, which are in trend these days.” “Kolhapuri chappals …” I thought, “it sounds so cheap…. And it reminded me of the song Main Kolhapur se aayi hoon … Lolz!!!”

Listening to my sarcastic comments, my friend got all set to explain me about kolhapuri chappals. She said, “Sweetheart, fashion has evolved these days from boasting western outfits to wearing and carrying classic traditional stuffs, such as, khadi kurta, jhola bags, mojdis or kolhapuri chappals, so on and so forth. So if you want to look trendy in today’s world then prefer something reallyKC1 ethnic. Trust me; it is bound to be a super hit in the fashion world. And above all, women can go in for a variety of Kolhpuri chappals, each of which can match with their sari or dress color as I have done. As they contain a zari border, Kolhapuri chappals can be ideally used for formal wear too. Evergreen favorites of many Indians, Kolhapuri chappals are most popular and not too heavy on the budget too. On the overall, they are quite sturdy, durable and long lasting in use.” Listening to her I wondered, “Is she true or just picking on me?” But anyway I agreed to her because hearing such things right from the horse’s mouth and not believing it is really not done.

Yes to some extent I also agree to her. Now days, we all prefer to wear or carry something which is comfortable and also trendy. And definitely kolhapuri chappal falls in both these categories.

So, don’t forget to have one pair of Kolhapuri chappals in your shoe stand, because with its multi-purpose nature, it will take care of your routine as well as your special occasion look.

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28.12.2009 Indian Fashion, Indian accessories Leave a reply

Desi Jholas have become a cool must-pick ….

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

ae73The much-heated Copenhagen summit has finally come to an end. People all around the world are doing anything and everything for a ‘Green’ future. We Indians were always for it … Isn’t it? Remember, Gandhiji, the Great Father of the Nation, who revolutionized the use of Khadi, an organic fabric. Yes, it’s since then we Indians are striving towards a sustainable future. Even our fashion is chiefly inspired by natural fabrics, viz, Khadi, silk, jute, etc. Clothes and accessories woven out of natural fabric like khadi, silk, cotton, etc. have been our first priority. Even populace around the globe is inspired by our style of clothing and fashion.  And why not when being environment friendly is the mantra of all conscious citizens nothing can compete with products made of jute or cloth.

This reminds of the jhola bags which is so much in trend these days not only in India but also outside India. Jhola bags, once used by the Yogis in India, have evolved into becoming a holistic style statement today for everyone. Don’t forget, today, handbags and purses have transformed from being `just a bag’ to becoming a style statement for every woman. Anything out-of-the-box is what everyone prefers to opt just to make their unique style statement. Thus, Jholas which had once become a passé are again in trend.

Popular among young crowd, the `jhola’ (long and large shoulder bag with long straps often worn across the body), is funkier than ever before. From jute to fabrics, embellished with beads, mirrors, traditional embroidery adding just the right amount of rustic look, it has made a comeback as a hip fashion statement.

No matter, what your age is, what your sex is, carrying a jhola bag will give you that cool and in look required these days. I am really going to get hold of one soon. What about you guys?

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22.12.2009 Indian Fashion, Indian accessories Leave a reply

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